Moon Tiger

Penelope Lively’s 1987 novel Moon Tiger is a work of historical fiction. Set primarily in England and Egypt during the 20th century, the novel is a frame story that joins protagonist Claudia Hampton on her deathbed as she reflects on the relationships, memories, and historical forces that shaped her life. The author was awarded the 1987 Booker Prize for the novel. Moon Tiger explores the subjective nature of memory, the difference between lived and linear time, and the way global history overlaps with personal history. The setting of the Egyptian desert and the city of Cairo during World War 2 (WWII) feature prominently in the novel, inspired by the author’s childhood in Cairo during the 1930s and 1940s.

This guide refers to the 1987 Grove Press paperback edition of the novel.

Content Warning: The source text and guide both contain depictions of incest.

Plot Summary

Claudia Hampton is in her 70s and is dying. She is in the hospital, being treated for cancer. After a long career as a journalist and historian, Claudia spends her final days reflecting on her life. In addition to revisiting memories, she also seeks to contextualize her experiences in history more broadly.