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40 pages 1 hour read

Good Morning, Midnight

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1939

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Book Brief

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Jean Rhys

Good Morning, Midnight

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1939
Book Details
Pages

213

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Paris, France • 1930s

Theme
Publication Year

1939

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Published in 1939, Good Morning, Midnight by Jean Rhys follows Sasha Jensen, who returns to Paris in 1937 after the dissolution of her marriage and the tragic loss of her son. Struggling with memories and isolation, Sasha encounters various characters as she navigates her past and present. Through a series of interactions and reflections in the rich setting of Paris, Sasha's journey highlights themes of alienation and search for new beginnings. This book contains sensitive topics including grief and sexual violence.

Melancholic

Mysterious

Contemplative

Dark

Reviews & Readership

3.9

11,177 ratings

67%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Good Morning, Midnight by Jean Rhys is praised for its evocative portrayal of isolation and loss, with many lauding Rhys's lyrical prose and deep psychological insight. Critics note the compelling, albeit bleak, atmosphere, though some find the protagonist's desolation overwhelming. Despite this, its honest exploration of despair renders it a significant literary work.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Good Morning, Midnight?

A reader who would enjoy Good Morning, Midnight by Jean Rhys likely appreciates deeply introspective, character-driven narratives. They might also enjoy works like The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath or Mrs. Dalloway by Virginia Woolf, which similarly explore themes of existential despair and the complexities of the human psyche.

3.9

11,177 ratings

67%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Character List

Sasha Jensen

The first-person narrator, a middle-aged English woman who returns to Paris after a period of personal turmoil, struggling to maintain her composure while confronting her past.

Sasha's husband, an unreliable journalist who dreams of a stable life in Paris but repeatedly abandons Sasha, contributing to her distress.

A naturalized French citizen from Ukraine who befriends Sasha in Paris, offering companionship and philosophical insights during her struggles with loneliness.

A French Canadian gigolo who seeks Sasha's help and companionship under false pretenses, revealing the complexities of his character through their interactions.

A compassionate painter who welcomes Sasha into his studio, sharing his art and personal stories and offering her kindness and support.

Book Details
Pages

213

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Paris, France • 1930s

Theme
Publication Year

1939

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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