Desperate Characters
Desperate Characters
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1970
Book Brief
192
Novel • Fiction
Brooklyn, New York • 1960s
1970
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Desperate Characters by Paula Fox centers on Otto and Sophie Bentwood, an affluent, middle-aged couple in 1960s Brooklyn. Their deteriorating marriage and personal dissatisfaction are mirrored by a series of small crises, symbolized by Sophie's untreated cat bite wound. Through dealing with these challenges, they slowly rediscover their connection and begin to address the disrepair in their relationship.
Melancholic
Dark
Unnerving
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
10,214 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Paula Fox's Desperate Characters explores themes of urban decay and existential angst through its vivid prose and complex characters. Critics praise its incisive social commentary and emotional depth, though some find its pace languid and the narrative bleak. Overall, it stands out for its literary craftsmanship and profound exploration of human disconnection.
Who Should Read Desperate Characters?
Readers who appreciate the nuanced exploration of middle-class discontent and marital strife in urban settings will find Paula Fox's Desperate Characters compelling. Fans of Richard Yates' Revolutionary Road and John Updike's Rabbit, Run may be particularly drawn to its incisive prose and psychological depth.
10,214 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
192
Novel • Fiction
Brooklyn, New York • 1960s
1970
Adult
18+ years
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