Plot Summary

Lost in the City

Edward P. Jones
Guide cover placeholder

Lost in the City

Fiction | Short Story Collection | Adult | Published in 1992

Book Brief

Edward P. Jones

Lost in the City

Fiction | Short Story Collection | Adult | Published in 1992
Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Short Story Collection • Fiction

Publication Year

1992

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Lost in the City by Edward P. Jones is a collection of fourteen short stories centering on the lives of ordinary people in Washington, DC, exploring their daily struggles, dreams, and connections with a focus on themes such as urban change, family dynamics, crime, and personal loss, highlighting the complexities and emotional landscapes of city life.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Nostalgic

Emotional

Gritty

Reviews & Readership

4.3

3,732 ratings

78%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Lost in the City by Edward P. Jones is lauded for its authentic portrayal of African American life in Washington, D.C. through compelling, interconnected stories and rich, empathetic characterizations. Critics praise Jones's evocative prose and keen attention to detail. Some, however, find the narrative pace uneven at times. Overall, it is a deeply moving and insightful collection.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Lost in the City?

A reader who appreciates Edward P. Jones's Lost in the City will likely enjoy rich, character-driven narratives set in urban environments. Comparable to Alice Walker’s The Color Purple and James Baldwin’s Go Tell It on the Mountain, this collection speaks to those who value deeply emotional and culturally resonant stories.

4.3

3,732 ratings

78%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

288

Format

Short Story Collection • Fiction

Publication Year

1992

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!