Meet the Austins
Meet the Austins
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1960
Book Brief
240
Novel • Fiction
New York • 1950s
1960
YA
10-14 years
1010L
Super Short Summary
Meet the Austins by Madeleine L'Engle follows Vicky Austin through a series of formative vignettes as she navigates adolescence within her close-knit, albeit tumultuous, family in Thornhill, Connecticut. The Austins' routine is disrupted when they take in Maggy, an orphaned, emotionally distant girl, after the death of a family friend. Together, the family confronts various challenges, fostering resilience and self-acceptance while dealing with insecurities, accidents, and moments of beauty. The book addresses topics of death and loss.
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
10,616 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Meet the Austins by Madeleine L'Engle has garnered mixed but generally positive reviews. Readers appreciate its warmth, relatable family dynamics, and L'Engle's evocative prose. However, some critiques note a slower pace and occasional preachiness. Nonetheless, it remains a heartfelt exploration of family and personal growth, appealing to both young and adult readers.
Who Should Read Meet the Austins?
Readers who enjoy warm, family-centered stories with realistic sibling dynamics will love Madeleine L'Engle's Meet the Austins. Fans of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women or Jeanne Birdsall's The Penderwicks will appreciate the novel's heartfelt exploration of everyday life and the trials of growing up.
10,616 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
240
Novel • Fiction
New York • 1950s
1960
YA
10-14 years
1010L
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