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56 pages 1 hour read

Dandelion Wine

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1957

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Book Brief

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Ray Bradbury

Dandelion Wine

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1957
Book Details
Pages

239

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Green Town, Illinois • 1920s

Publication Year

1957

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

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Super Short Summary

Dandelion Wine chronicles the summer of 12-year-old Douglas Spaulding in Green Town, Illinois, capturing the magic and growth of childhood through a series of interconnected vignettes. These nostalgic stories encompass a range of genres, including fantasy and magical realism, as Douglas experiences the wonders and mysteries of growing up. The book contains references to spanking as punishment and uses outdated language regarding African Americans.

Nostalgic

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Heartwarming

Serene

Reviews & Readership

4.3

76,184 ratings

75%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury is lauded for its evocative prose and vivid portrayal of 1928 summer life, invoking nostalgia and the simple pleasures of childhood. Critics appreciate its heartfelt and poetic narrative but note that the episodic structure and sentimental tone may deter some readers. Overall, it's celebrated for its imaginative and reflective quality.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Dandelion Wine?

Fans of Ray Bradbury’s Dandelion Wine will likely appreciate its nostalgic and poetic exploration of childhood and summer in a small town. Readers of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird will find similar themes of innocence, wonder, and communal life.

4.3

76,184 ratings

75%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Douglas Spaulding

A 12-year-old boy on the cusp of adolescence, experiencing the joys and challenges of growing up during a memorable summer.

Douglas’s energetic 10-year-old brother, who enjoys counting and relies on his family for security.

An elderly man who captivates young listeners with vivid stories from his thrilling past adventures.

At 95, she forms a meaningful connection with a younger journalist and reflects on her life with acceptance and hope.

The wise and loving matriarch of the Spaulding family who has lived a long and fulfilling life.

Douglas’s athletic and kind friend whose sudden departure deeply affects him.

The president of the Honeysuckle Ladies Lodge, known for her involvement in light-hearted, mysterious escapades.

An accident-prone woman whose suspicion of witchcraft adds comic relief to the story.

Leo, the inventive town jeweler, attempts to build a Happiness Machine, while his wife Lena represents the challenges of balancing family life and creativity.

A mysterious and menacing figure whose presence symbolizes the lurking dangers within the town.

The patriarchal figure who embodies tradition and wisdom, especially in the family's annual bottling of dandelion wine.

A talented cook who operates with instinct in her boarding house, thriving in her unique, chaotic style.

The father of Douglas and Tom, who appreciates the beauty of ordinary life and helps Douglas realize his aliveness.

A caring mother who experiences fear for her children’s safety, revealing the vulnerability in even the strongest parent.

Book Details
Pages

239

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Green Town, Illinois • 1920s

Publication Year

1957

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

12-18 years

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