Plot Summary

Dream House

Valerie Laken
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Dream House

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2009

Book Brief

Valerie Laken

Dream House

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2009
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Ann Arbor, Michigan • 2000s

Publication Year

2009

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Dream House by Valerie Laken, married couple Kate and Stuart Kinzler buy a dilapidated historic home in Ann Arbor, Michigan, hoping to repair both the house and their relationship, only to discover it was the site of a murder years ago. As they uncover more about the house’s history and encounter the accused murderer, Walker Price, their marriage faces increasing strain, leading to profound reflections on memory, relationships, and home. The book includes references to murder and familial stress.

Dark

Mysterious

Contemplative

Emotional

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

3.3

646 ratings

42%

Loved it

40%

Mixed feelings

18%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Dream House by Valerie Laken offers a compelling narrative that intertwines personal trauma and historical burdens through a midwestern house's story. Reviews praise Laken's evocative prose and layered storytelling; however, some critics find the pacing uneven. The novel skillfully explores themes of redemption and the complexity of human relationships.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Dream House?

Readers who enjoy complex character studies and psychological depth will appreciate Valerie Laken's Dream House. Fans of Ann Patchett's Bel Canto and Elizabeth Strout's Olive Kitteridge will find the intricate, interwoven stories within a single neighborhood compelling. This book is perfect for those drawn to literary fiction with strong emotional resonance.

3.3

646 ratings

42%

Loved it

40%

Mixed feelings

18%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Ann Arbor, Michigan • 2000s

Publication Year

2009

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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