46 pages • 1 hour read
A God in Ruins
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Book Brief
480
Novel • Fiction
England • 20th Century
2015
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
A God in Ruins, a historical fiction novel by Kate Atkinson, revolves around Teddy Todd, a Royal Air Force bomber pilot during World War II, who grapples with his haunting war memories throughout his life. The non-linear narrative explores his relationships with his family, including his wife Nancy, daughter Viola, and grandchildren Bertie and Sunny, showcasing the transformative impact of war on individuals and their loved ones between 1925 and 2012. This book addresses themes of war, terminal illness, and familial conflict.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Emotional
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
72,924 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
In A God in Ruins, Kate Atkinson earns praise for her profound narrative, emotionally rich characters, and seamless blending of historical and contemporary timelines. Critics admire the novel's exploration of war's long-term impact. However, some find the structure disorienting and the pacing uneven. Overall, the work is celebrated for its literary depth and character development.
Who Should Read A God in Ruins?
Readers who appreciate deep character studies, historical contexts, and layered narratives will enjoy Kate Atkinson's A God in Ruins. Similar to Anthony Doerr's All the Light We Cannot See and Tim O'Brien's The Things They Carried, it blends the personal with the epic, delving into the complexities of wartime experiences and their lasting impacts.
72,924 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Nancy Todd
Nancy Todd
A gifted mathematician and Teddy's wife, known for her devotion to her family and a preference for reliability and order in life.
Viola Todd
Viola Todd
Nancy and Teddy's daughter, who struggles with impulsivity and a feeling of being outside of happiness, eventually becoming a wealthy novelist.
Sunny Todd
Sunny Todd
Viola's son who becomes a meditation and yoga teacher in Bali, seeking peace and happiness despite a tumultuous childhood.
Ursula Todd
Ursula Todd
Teddy's sister, who is a significant comforting presence in his life and provides him with affectionate support and fond memories.
Bertie Todd
Bertie Todd
Viola's daughter who grows up to be a stable, loving person and a successful marketing executive, embodying Teddy's positive influence.
480
Novel • Fiction
England • 20th Century
2015
Adult
18+ years
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