Perspectives

The young adult novel Holes by American author Louis Sachar was published in the United States in 1998. The narrative was written at the end of the 20th century, the time when boot camps, such as Camp Green Lake, were largely present in the United States. The Perspectives section takes a closer look at this new form of penal system and describes the difficult living conditions in the camps, which are also present in the novel.

The Perspectives section also looks at the origins of the work and provides background information on its autobiographical features, author, and publication. In addition, the characteristics of the young adult novel in the work are examined in more detail. Then, we have a look at the elements of adventure, fairy tale, and saga in the novel Holes. Finally, we have a look at the novel’s reception.

Holes is Louis Sachar's best-known and most successful novel, which made him world famous. The author himself describes it as his greatest literary achievement. Stanley's story was received with enthusiasm by international critics after its publication. In the U.S., Holes has won countless awards, including the Newberry Medal and the prestigious National Book Award in the young adult fiction category.