BOOK BRIEF

Machine Dreams

Jayne Anne Phillips
Guide cover placeholder

Machine Dreams

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999

Book Brief

Sparkles iconBeta
Jayne Anne Phillips

Machine Dreams

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

West Virginia • 1940s-1980s

Theme
Publication Year

1999

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Machine Dreams by Jayne Anne Phillips explores the impact of war and societal changes on a West Virginia family. Through individual stories and experiences, the narrative captures the emotional complexities and personal struggles from the mid-20th century. The novel delves into themes of memory, loss, and identity, reflecting the varying impacts on each family member.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Mysterious

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

3.9

907 ratings

62%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Machine Dreams by Jayne Anne Phillips receives acclaim for its lyrical prose and poignant exploration of familial relationships across generations. Critics praise its intricate character development and atmospheric detail. However, some find the narrative structure challenging and the pacing uneven. Overall, it stands out as a richly textured and emotionally resonant novel.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Machine Dreams?

A reader who appreciates Machine Dreams by Jayne Anne Phillips likely enjoys introspective narratives and richly detailed family sagas. Fans of Alice Munro's The Beggar Maid or Marilynne Robinson's Housekeeping may find similar allure in its exploration of human connections and historical context.

3.9

907 ratings

62%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

West Virginia • 1940s-1980s

Theme
Publication Year

1999

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!