67 pages • 2 hours read
Ordinary Grace
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Book Brief
336
Novel • Fiction
Minnesota • 1960s
2013
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
In William Kent Krueger's Ordinary Grace, 13-year-old Frank Drum recounts the harrowing summer of 1961 in New Bremen, Minnesota, when a series of deaths, including that of his sister Ariel, disrupt his family's life. The narrative explores themes of faith, loss, and growth as Frank, alongside his younger brother Jake, seeks to make sense of the tragedies that engulf their small town. This story includes the loss of a sibling and the impact of war injuries.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
209,444 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger has received praise for its eloquent prose, well-drawn characters, and evocative depiction of small-town life in the 1960s. The novel's themes of faith, loss, and family resonate deeply with readers. However, some find the pacing uneven and the story's resolution too predictable. Overall, it's a moving and contemplative read.
Who Should Read Ordinary Grace?
Readers who appreciate Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger are likely drawn to reflective coming-of-age stories set in small-town America. If you enjoyed the nuanced family dynamics in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee or the poignant explorations of faith in Peace Like a River by Leif Enger, you'll find similar themes here.
209,444 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
336
Novel • Fiction
Minnesota • 1960s
2013
Adult
16+ years
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