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40 pages 1 hour read

Lily King

Euphoria

Lily KingFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014

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Book Brief

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Lily King

Euphoria

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New Guinea • 1930s

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Inspired by the life of anthropologist Margaret Mead, Lily King's Euphoria follows Nell Stone, her husband Fen, and fellow anthropologist Andrew Bankson as they navigate the professional and personal tensions of fieldwork in 1930s New Guinea, leading to a love triangle that shapes their research and relationships. The novel explores themes including colonial exploitation, gender dynamics, and the intersections of intellectual and emotional life.

Contemplative

Emotional

Mysterious

Bittersweet

Romantic

Reviews & Readership

4.0

107,758 ratings

70%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Lily King's Euphoria is widely praised for its rich, evocative prose and complex characters. Many reviewers commend its compelling and thought-provoking narrative inspired by real anthropologists. However, some critics feel the pacing drags in parts and that certain subplots lack depth. Overall, it’s considered a deeply engaging and emotionally resonant read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Euphoria?

Readers who enjoy Euphoria by Lily King are often captivated by historical fiction and deeply drawn to character-centric narratives that explore cultural and emotional depths. Fans of Circe by Madeline Miller or The Paris Wife by Paula McLain will appreciate the novel’s rich, evocative storytelling and intricate psychological exploration.

4.0

107,758 ratings

70%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New Guinea • 1930s

Publication Year

2014

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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