47 pages • 1 hour read
Redhead by the Side of the Road
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
192
Novel • Fiction
Baltimore, Maryland • Contemporary
2020
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Redhead by the Side of the Road follows meticulous and isolated Micah Mortimer, a mid-forties IT technician, whose routine life is disrupted by the arrival of Brink, an ex-girlfriend's son believing Micah might be his father, and a subsequent breakup with his current girlfriend, Cass. As Micah navigates these unexpected events, he confronts his past relationships and personal shortcomings, ultimately seeking growth and connection.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Heartwarming
Humorous
Serene
Reviews & Readership
64,835 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Anne Tyler's Redhead by the Side of the Road offers a delightful yet introspective look at the character-driven narrative fans expect from the author. Reviewers praised Tyler's nuanced portrayal of loneliness and the everyday struggles of Micah Mortimer, though some noted a lack of dramatic tension. The prose is elegant, making it a warm but somewhat predictable read.
Who Should Read Redhead by the Side of the Road?
Readers who enjoy Anne Tyler's Redhead by the Side of the Road would appreciate poignant, character-driven narratives that capture the nuances of everyday life. Fans of works like A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman and Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout will find this novel equally engaging.
64,835 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Cassia "Cass" Slade
Cassia "Cass" Slade
A fourth-grade teacher and Micah's partner of three years, who faces challenges with her apartment situation, prompting her to reconsider her relationship with Micah.
Brink
Brink
An 18-year-old college student from a privileged background, who shows up in Micah's life seeking answers about his father and attempting to escape his own mistakes.
Lorna
Lorna
Micah's college ex-girlfriend who now works as a lawyer and is Brink's mother, playing a role in prompting Micah to reflect on his past and understand his own life better.
Micah's Sisters (Ada, Liz, Norma, and Suze)
Micah's Sisters (Ada, Liz, Norma, and Suze)
Four sisters who lead bustling family lives in contrast to Micah's solitary existence; they often critique his lifestyle but show concern for his well-being.
192
Novel • Fiction
Baltimore, Maryland • Contemporary
2020
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.