Plot Summary

Improvement

Joan Silber
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Improvement

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

Book Brief

Joan Silber

Improvement

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • Contemporary

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Improvement, a novel by Joan Silber, follows Reyna, a single mother in New York City, and her eccentric aunt, Kiki, exploring how their decisions affect their lives and those of others globally. Reyna's relationship with her boyfriend Boyd, his imprisonment, and a tragic smuggling plot intertwine with Kiki's adventurous past in Turkey, leading to unexpected connections and consequences among multiple characters.

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Emotional

Challenging

Reviews & Readership

3.6

7,870 ratings

53%

Loved it

35%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Improvement by Joan Silber has garnered praise for its intricate narrative structure and rich character development, weaving multiple storylines into a cohesive whole. Critics appreciate its exploration of interconnected lives and themes of love, loss, and redemption. However, some find the pacing uneven. Overall, it's a compelling read that showcases Silber's storytelling prowess.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Improvement?

Readers who relish complex, interwoven narratives and character-driven stories will savor Joan Silber’s Improvement. Fans of Jennifer Egan’s A Visit from the Goon Squad or Elizabeth Strout’s Olive Kitteridge will appreciate the novel's rich exploration of relationships, choices, and interconnected lives.

3.6

7,870 ratings

53%

Loved it

35%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

256

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • Contemporary

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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