Object Lessons
Object Lessons
Book Brief
Beta323
Novel • Fiction
New York Suburbs • 1960s
1992
Adult
18+ years
1020L
Super Short Summary
In Anna Quindlen's Object Lessons, a young person navigates complex family dynamics and societal expectations in a suburban setting during the 1960s. The story explores themes of identity, personal growth, and the impact of generational conflicts on an individual's journey toward self-discovery.
Contemplative
Emotional
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
9,493 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Anna Quindlen's Object Lessons offers rich character development and insightful exploration of family dynamics, praised for its evocative prose. However, some readers find pacing issues and predictability in the plot. Overall, the novel effectively captures the complexities of suburban life, presenting a nuanced portrayal of personal growth and familial relationships.
Who Should Read Object Lessons?
Readers who appreciate The Joy Luck Club or The Prince of Tides will enjoy Anna Quindlen's Object Lessons. They are drawn to rich family sagas and character-driven narratives exploring complex relationships, personal growth, and societal pressures in a vividly depicted setting.
9,493 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Object Lessons is Anna Quindlen's debut novel, published in 1991, after she had achieved success as a journalist and opinion columnist for The New York Times.
The novel helped establish Quindlen's transition from journalism to fiction writing, leading to a successful career in both genres.
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Anna Quindlen drew upon her own experiences growing up in a large Irish-Italian Catholic family in New Jersey to inform some of the novel's themes and settings.
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323
Novel • Fiction
New York Suburbs • 1960s
1992
Adult
18+ years
1020L
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