BOOK BRIEF

Show Boat

Edna Ferber
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Show Boat

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2007

Book Brief

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Edna Ferber

Show Boat

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2007
Book Details
Pages

398

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Classic Fiction

Historical Fiction

Romance
Setting

Mississippi River • 1880s

Topic
World History

Music
Publication Year

2007

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

980L

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Super Short Summary

Show Boat by Edna Ferber explores the lives of individuals aboard the Cotton Blossom, a traveling riverboat theater. The narrative spans several decades, highlighting the personal and professional challenges faced by the ensemble cast, including themes of love, societal change, and racial tension in early 20th-century America.

Melancholic

Nostalgic

Bittersweet

Emotional

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.0

1,144 ratings

67%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Show Boat by Edna Ferber is praised for its rich storytelling and exploration of American life along the Mississippi River. The characters are well-developed, with a blend of charm and complexity. However, some critiques mention the pacing as uneven and certain period stereotypes as outdated. Overall, it's lauded for its vivid depiction of the era and its impact on American literature.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Show Boat?

A reader who enjoys Show Boat by Edna Ferber likely appreciates historical fiction with rich narratives exploring American life and the complexities of race and class. Fans of works like Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell and East of Eden by John Steinbeck might appreciate its epic scope and character depth.

4.0

1,144 ratings

67%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

398

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Classic Fiction

Historical Fiction

Romance
Setting

Mississippi River • 1880s

Topic
World History

Music
Publication Year

2007

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

980L

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