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French Braid

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022

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Book Brief

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Anne Tyler

French Braid

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022
Book Details
Pages

244

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Baltimore, Maryland • 1950s-2010s

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

French Braid by Anne Tyler chronicles the intricate dynamics of the Garrett family from the 1950s to the early 2020s, exploring their generational struggles with connection and emotional distance. Despite shared history, they grapple with unmet expectations and unresolved conflicts, struggling to understand each other while pursuing individual dreams that often clash with family obligations. Contains themes of death and infidelity.

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Nostalgic

Emotional

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

3.8

68,620 ratings

61%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Anne Tyler's novel French Braid is praised for its poignant exploration of family dynamics, rich character development, and evocative storytelling. However, some readers find the narrative's slow pace and episodic structure less engaging. Overall, the book offers a deeply human look at generational relationships, though it may not captivate all audiences.

Who should read this

Who Should Read French Braid?

Ideal for fans of family sagas and intricate character studies, French Braid by Anne Tyler appeals to readers who enjoyed the emotional exploration in Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout and the intergenerational narratives in The Dutch House by Ann Patchett. Its nuanced portrayal of family dynamics will resonate deeply.

3.8

68,620 ratings

61%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Character List

Mercy Wellington Garrett

Robin’s wife and mother of Alice, Lily, and David, she is a dreamer and an artist, and her life spans from a romantic bride in her twenties to her late seventies.

Mercy’s husband, a compulsive and predictable workaholic with a lack of insight into his family, who organizes a surprise anniversary party.

The eldest of Robin and Mercy’s children, she is an observant daughter who later becomes a judgmental sibling and mother of three children.

The younger daughter of Robin and Mercy, known for her numerous romantic liaisons and emotional impulsiveness.

The son of Robin and Mercy, who evolves from a joyful child to a reserved adult, working as a teacher and father.

The daughter of Lily and Morris, she is organized and self-sufficient, and she marries Jeff and moves to North Carolina.

Alice’s daughter, who goes by Candle, she develops a special relationship with Mercy due to her artistic interests.

The son of Alice and Kevin, he enjoys building and tools, eventually taking over a business while keeping his personal life private.

Book Details
Pages

244

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Baltimore, Maryland • 1950s-2010s

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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