Plot Summary

Larry's Party

Carol Shields
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Larry's Party

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1997

Book Brief

Carol Shields

Larry's Party

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1997
Book Details
Pages

339

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Winnipeg, Manitoba • 1970s-1990s

Publication Year

1997

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Larry's Party by Carol Shields follows the life of Larry Weller from 1976 to 1997, depicting his journey from a young, aspiring florist intrigued by mazes to becoming a renowned maze designer. Each chapter explores different facets of his life, including relationships, work, and self-discovery. As Larry navigates love, divorce, and professional success, he grapples with understanding the deeper meanings and mysteries of his existence. Topics addressed include death, illness, and infidelity.

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Emotional

Humorous

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

3.9

9,191 ratings

63%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Larry's Party by Carol Shields is praised for its insightful exploration of an ordinary man's life, rich character development, and intricate narrative structure. Some readers found the pacing slow and the minutiae of Larry's hobby, maze designing, less engaging. Overall, the novel is celebrated for its depth and introspective charm, with minor criticisms of pacing.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Larry's Party?

Readers who appreciate nuanced character studies and detailed explorations of everyday life, similar to those found in Richard Ford's Independence Day or Anne Tyler's The Accidental Tourist, will enjoy Carol Shields' Larry's Party. Fans of contemporary fiction that delves into personal growth and relationships will find it captivating.

3.9

9,191 ratings

63%

Loved it

28%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

339

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Winnipeg, Manitoba • 1970s-1990s

Publication Year

1997

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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