BOOK BRIEF

All He Ever Wanted

Anita Shreve
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All He Ever Wanted

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005

Book Brief

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Anita Shreve

All He Ever Wanted

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005
Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Dramatic Literature

Historical Fiction

Romance
Setting

New Hampshire • Early 1900s

Topic
World History
Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In All He Ever Wanted, a college professor in early 20th-century New England reflects on his past and his obsessive love for his wife. Told through his perspective, the novel explores themes of desire, truth, and the complexities of marriage as he recounts the events that shaped his life and relationships.

Contemplative

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Emotional

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

3.6

15,835 ratings

39%

Loved it

40%

Mixed feelings

22%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

All He Ever Wanted by Anita Shreve is praised for its elegant prose and exploration of obsession and moral complexity. Readers appreciate the compelling narrative and character depth. However, some criticize its slow pace and lack of emotional engagement. The novel’s rich thematic content makes it a thoughtful read despite its perceived drawbacks.

Who should read this

Who Should Read All He Ever Wanted?

A reader who enjoys All He Ever Wanted by Anita Shreve likely appreciates complex character studies, historical settings, and themes of obsession and regret. Fans of Ian McEwan’s Atonement or Willa Cather’s works, who value intricate narratives and moral dilemmas, might find this novel appealing.

3.6

15,835 ratings

39%

Loved it

40%

Mixed feelings

22%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Dramatic Literature

Historical Fiction

Romance
Setting

New Hampshire • Early 1900s

Topic
World History
Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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