Plot Summary

Breathing Lessons

Anne Tyler
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Breathing Lessons

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1988

Book Brief

Anne Tyler

Breathing Lessons

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1988
Book Details
Pages

339

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Pennsylvania • 1980s

Theme
Publication Year

1988

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

830L

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Super Short Summary

In Anne Tyler's Breathing Lessons, Maggie and Ira Moran, a middle-aged couple, travel to a friend's funeral and confront the strains in their marriage and relationships with their grown children, Jesse and Daisy, reflecting on past choices and hoping for reconciliation. The narrative explores themes of love, regret, and acceptance through character-driven episodes.

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Nostalgic

Emotional

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

3.7

34,293 ratings

59%

Loved it

30%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Anne Tyler's Breathing Lessons receives acclaim for its insightful depiction of marriage and the everyday struggles of life, resonating deeply with readers. Critics highlight Tyler's exceptional character development and ability to capture the nuances of human relationships. However, some find the plot somewhat meandering. Ultimately, it's a compelling read that combines poignant realism with subtle humor.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Breathing Lessons?

Reader Profile: A fan of nuanced character studies and family dynamics, particularly those who enjoyed The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler or A Spool of Blue Thread, would appreciate Breathing Lessons. This reader enjoys richly layered narratives exploring everyday life and relationships in a heartfelt, introspective manner.

3.7

34,293 ratings

59%

Loved it

30%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

339

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Pennsylvania • 1980s

Theme
Publication Year

1988

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

830L

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