A Summons to Memphis
A Summons to Memphis
Book Brief
224
Novel • Fiction
•
Southern Literature•
Modern Classic FictionMemphis, Tennessee • 1930s
1986
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In A Summons to Memphis by Peter Taylor, Phillip Carver, an editor in New York City, is called back to Memphis by his sisters to help stop their elderly father from remarrying. Phillip's return to Memphis stirs up memories of his upbringing, family dynamics, and past relationships as he re-evaluates his life in the context of his family's complex history.
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Melancholic
Emotional
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
6,618 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Peter Taylor's A Summons to Memphis is lauded for its elegant prose and keen insight into familial dynamics and Southern life, though some readers find its pacing slow. Its exploration of memory and betrayal resonates deeply, but the deliberate narrative style may not appeal to all. Overall, it's a compelling, character-driven novel that rewards patient readers.
Who Should Read A Summons to Memphis?
A reader who would enjoy A Summons to Memphis by Peter Taylor likely appreciates Southern literature and nuanced family dynamics. Fans of Eudora Welty's The Optimist's Daughter or William Faulkner's As I Lay Dying would find the intricate exploration of Southern social mores and generational conflict compelling.
6,618 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
A Summons to Memphis won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1987, highlighting Peter Taylor's esteemed contribution to American literature.
Peter Taylor's depiction of Southern family dynamics and the city of Memphis in the book reflects his own upbringing and experiences, offering a deeply personal glimpse into his past.
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The novel is renowned for its rich character development and exploration of themes like familial duty and betrayal, making it a significant work within Southern literature.
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224
Novel • Fiction
•
Southern Literature•
Modern Classic FictionMemphis, Tennessee • 1930s
1986
Adult
18+ years
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