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37 pages 1 hour read

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Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2008

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Book Brief

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Marilynne Robinson

Home

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2008
Book Details
Pages

321

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Iowa • 1950s

Publication Year

2008

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In Home by Marilynne Robinson, Glory Boughton returns to her hometown of Gilead, Iowa, to care for her dying father and is joined by her estranged brother Jack, who has been gone for 20 years. As they navigate their troubled pasts and complex family dynamics, Glory and Jack seek redemption and understanding, ultimately facing unresolved tensions and secrets that impact their journey towards reconciliation. Sensitive topics include substance use and graphic descriptions of violence.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Nostalgic

Emotional

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.1

32,182 ratings

75%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Marilynne Robinson's Home is widely praised for its contemplative prose and deep exploration of familial and spiritual themes. The novel's complexity and emotional depth captivate readers, though some find its slow pace challenging. Overall, Robinson's ability to render profound human experiences makes this a moving but demanding read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Home?

Readers who appreciate introspective, character-driven narratives and complex family dynamics will enjoy Marilynne Robinson's Home. Comparable to works like Kent Haruf's Plainsong or Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day, this novel appeals to those who relish literary fiction with profound emotional depth and richly drawn, contemplative settings.

4.1

32,182 ratings

75%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

7%

Not a fan

Character List

Glory Boughton

The youngest of eight siblings, Glory Boughton returns to Gilead to care for her ailing father and grapples with personal struggles from her past while seeking connection with her brother, Jack.

The prodigal son of Reverend Robert Boughton, Jack returns to Gilead after a long absence, aiming to reconcile with his family and start anew despite the shadow of his troubled history.

Book Details
Pages

321

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Iowa • 1950s

Publication Year

2008

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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