49 pages • 1 hour read
Mildred Pierce
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Book Brief
288
Novel • Fiction
California • 1930s
1941
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Mildred Pierce by James M. Cain centers on a single mother, Mildred, navigating life's hardships during the Great Depression after her husband leaves her. She builds a successful restaurant business while dealing with personal and family struggles, particularly with her ambitious and manipulative daughter, Veda. The novel delves into themes of sacrifice, ambition, and complex mother-daughter relationships. Mildred’s daughter Ray dies of the flu.
Dark
Gritty
Suspenseful
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
11,381 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
James M. Cain’s Mildred Pierce masterfully portrays a woman’s quest for independence during the Great Depression. Critics praise its strong narrative and complex character development. However, some find the plot overly melodramatic. Overall, the novel’s exploration of ambition and sacrifice resonates deeply, despite occasional pacing issues.
Who Should Read Mildred Pierce?
Readers who enjoy Mildred Pierce by James M. Cain appreciate psychological dramas and complex character studies set during the Great Depression. Fans of The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Revolutionary Road by Richard Yates, which explore ambition, betrayal, and the darker side of the American Dream, will find similar themes engaging in this novel.
11,381 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Veda Pierce
Veda Pierce
Mildred’s older daughter, notable for her striking looks and exceptional musical talent, characterized by her ambition and complex relationship with her mother.
Bert Pierce
Bert Pierce
Mildred’s first husband, initially a struggling entrepreneur whose journey involves personal growth and reconciliation with his past actions.
Monty Beragon
Monty Beragon
Mildred’s second husband, hailing from a wealthy background, who brings a mix of charm and elitism into Mildred’s life, complicating her family dynamics.
288
Novel • Fiction
California • 1930s
1941
Adult
18+ years
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