41 pages • 1 hour read
Old School
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Book Brief
195
Novel • Fiction
Northeastern United States • 1960s
2003
Adult
15-18 years
Super Short Summary
Old School by Tobias Wolff is set in a prestigious New England prep school in the early 1960s, where the unnamed narrator, a scholarship student from a working-class background, competes in literary contests judged by visiting famous authors such as Robert Frost, Ayn Rand, and Hemingway. The narrator's ambition leads him to plagiarize a short story called "Summer Dance," resulting in expulsion.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
14,044 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Tobias Wolff's Old School captivates with its eloquent prose and vivid portrayal of a 1960s prep school, delving into themes of identity and literary ambition. Critics laud the nuanced character development and profound moral questions. However, some find the plot predictable and the ending underwhelming. Overall, an evocative and thought-provoking read.
Who Should Read Old School?
Readers who appreciate introspective, character-driven novels like A Separate Peace by John Knowles or The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger will enjoy Old School by Tobias Wolff. This novel appeals to those drawn to themes of identity, morality, and the complexities of adolescence in a preparatory school setting.
14,044 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
195
Novel • Fiction
Northeastern United States • 1960s
2003
Adult
15-18 years
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