logo

55 pages 1 hour read

Apples Never Fall

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Liane Moriarty

Apples Never Fall

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2021
Book Details
Pages

480

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Sydney, Australia • Contemporary

Theme
Publication Year

2021

Publisher

Henry Holt and Co.

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty, Joy Delaney, a 60-something retired tennis coach, mysteriously disappears, leading to suspicion falling on her husband, Stan. As the days pass, their four adult children grapple with family tensions and their own lives, further complicated by the presence of Savannah, a troubled young woman Joy had taken in. The narrative oscillates between the investigation and events leading up to Joy's disappearance, exploring deep-seated familial conflicts and past traumas. The book includes instances of abuse and violence.

Mysterious

Emotional

Contemplative

Melancholic

Suspenseful

Reviews & Readership

4.0

472,180 ratings

66%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Liane Moriarty's Apples Never Fall has been praised for its engaging, multilayered storytelling and complex character development. Readers appreciated the intriguing family dynamics and unexpected twists. However, some felt the pacing was uneven, with parts of the narrative dragging. Overall, it's a compelling read that balances drama and mystery effectively.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Apples Never Fall?

Readers who enjoy Apples Never Fall by Liane Moriarty appreciate domestic thrillers with intricate family dynamics and suspense. Fans of Liane Moriarty’s previous works, such as Big Little Lies, or books like The Husband’s Secret and Celeste Ng’s Little Fires Everywhere, will find this novel captivating.

4.0

472,180 ratings

66%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

Joy Delaney

A former tennis champion who has devoted herself to her family, managing a delicate balance between maintaining family dynamics and pursuing personal redemption amidst family challenges.

Joy's husband characterized by his brooding demeanor and distance; a former tennis player and coach, wrestling with his sense of identity and growth throughout family and personal challenges.

A mysterious figure who enters the lives of the Delaney family under ambiguous circumstances, bringing with her a complex past and uncertain intentions.

One of the Delaney siblings dealing with personal and professional challenges, whose experiences and character are shaped by the expectations of her parents and her own aspirations.

One of the Delaney siblings who contends with internal struggles and relationship challenges, affected by her family's dynamics and her personal quest for growth.

A Delaney sibling characterized by his mercurial nature, navigating personal relationships and challenges in the context of his family's legacy and his own ambitions.

A laid-back member of the Delaney family, working through personal commitments and relationship decisions while influenced by the broader context of his family's history and expectations.

Book Details
Pages

480

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Sydney, Australia • Contemporary

Theme
Publication Year

2021

Publisher

Henry Holt and Co.

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.