44 pages • 1 hour read
Goodbye, Mr. Chips
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Book Brief
128
Novella • Fiction
Brookfield, England • 1920s
1934
YA
12+ years
930L
Super Short Summary
Goodbye, Mr. Chips by James Hilton follows Mr. Chippings, a retired classics teacher at the fictional Brookfield boys' school, reflecting on his nearly 50 years of teaching and the profound impact of his late wife Katherine, who led him to be a kinder, more engaging educator. The book contains antisemitic comments and references to corporal punishment in a learning institution.
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Heartwarming
Melancholic
Inspirational
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Many readers appreciate Goodbye, Mr. Chips by James Hilton for its heartwarming portrayal of an endearing schoolteacher, Mr. Chips, whose life and career span numerous decades. The novella's charm lies in its nostalgic and evocative writing, though some critics feel it leans heavily on sentimentality. While some find the plot predictable, the character depth and emotional resonance are widely praised.
Who Should Read Goodbye, Mr. Chips?
Fans of nostalgic, emotion-driven narratives set within educational settings will appreciate James Hilton's Goodbye, Mr. Chips. Similar to L.P. Hartley's The Go-Between and Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go, this novella appeals to readers who enjoy reflections on the passage of time, personal growth, and the impact of mentor figures.
Katherine Bridges
Katherine Bridges
A young woman and former governess who meets Mr. Chips during a hike and becomes his wife. Her lively mind and compassion significantly influence Chips's life, despite their differing political views.
Ralston
Ralston
The ambitious headmaster of Brookfield who seeks to modernize the school and clashes with Mr. Chips over traditional teaching methods. His focus on efficiency and wealth contrasts with Chips's more humane approach.
128
Novella • Fiction
Brookfield, England • 1920s
1934
YA
12+ years
930L
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