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239
Novel • Fiction
Green Town, Illinois • 1920s
1957
YA
12-18 years
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 The book contains references to spanking as punishment and uses outdated language regarding African Americans.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
76,184 ratings
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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.
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.
76,184 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Tom Spaulding
Douglas’s energetic 10-year-old brother, who enjoys counting and relies on his family for security.
Colonel Freeleigh
An elderly man who captivates young listeners with vivid stories from his thrilling past adventures.
Helen Loomis
At 95, she forms a meaningful connection with a younger journalist and reflects on her life with acceptance and hope.
Great-Grandma
The wise and loving matriarch of the Spaulding family who has lived a long and fulfilling life.
John Huff
Douglas’s athletic and kind friend whose sudden departure deeply affects him.
Clara Goodwater
The president of the Honeysuckle Ladies Lodge, known for her involvement in light-hearted, mysterious escapades.
Elmira Brown
An accident-prone woman whose suspicion of witchcraft adds comic relief to the story.
The Auffmanns
Leo, the inventive town jeweler, attempts to build a Happiness Machine, while his wife Lena represents the challenges of balancing family life and creativity.
The Lonely One
A mysterious and menacing figure whose presence symbolizes the lurking dangers within the town.
Grandpa
The patriarchal figure who embodies tradition and wisdom, especially in the family's annual bottling of dandelion wine.
Grandma
A talented cook who operates with instinct in her boarding house, thriving in her unique, chaotic style.
Mr. Spaulding
The father of Douglas and Tom, who appreciates the beauty of ordinary life and helps Douglas realize his aliveness.
Mrs. Spaulding
A caring mother who experiences fear for her children’s safety, revealing the vulnerability in even the strongest parent.
239
Novel • Fiction
Green Town, Illinois • 1920s
1957
YA
12-18 years
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