44 pages • 1 hour read
So Long, See You Tomorrow
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Book Brief
135
Novel • Fiction
Illinois • 1920s
1980
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
So Long, See You Tomorrow by William Maxwell recounts the narrator’s reflections on a childhood friendship in Lincoln, Illinois, disrupted by a tragic murder/suicide. The narrator feels lifelong regret for not speaking to his friend Cletus after the tragedy involving Cletus’s father. He reconstructs the events leading to the crime, exploring family instability, father-son relationships, and the impact of memories and fiction. It contains a death by suicide and human and animal abuse.
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
14,171 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
William Maxwell's So Long, See You Tomorrow is universally praised for its poignant exploration of memory and loss. Critics laud its lyrical prose and emotional depth but note the nonlinear narrative can be challenging. Some find it slow-paced, but the novel's rich characterization and profound themes ultimately leave a lasting impact.
Who Should Read So Long, See You Tomorrow?
A reader who enjoys So Long, See You Tomorrow by William Maxwell is likely drawn to introspective and emotionally complex narratives. Fans of works like Marilynne Robinson's Gilead or Kazuo Ishiguro's The Remains of the Day will appreciate the novel's reflective tone, intricate character studies, and exploration of memory and regret.
14,171 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Cletus Smith
Cletus Smith
A farm boy responsible for daily chores, with a close bond to his dog Trixie, symbolizing his sincerity and goodness. He experiences family disruptions and is perceptive about the adult situations surrounding him.
Clarence Smith
Clarence Smith
A tenant farmer with a close friendship with his neighbor Lloyd, characterized by his taciturn nature and violent behavior. He struggles with his wife's affair and the ramifications of the adult relationships around him.
Lloyd Wilson
Lloyd Wilson
A tenant farmer, good-looking with a wandering eye, who becomes romantically involved with his best friend’s wife. He is self-aware yet struggles to control his passions, impacting his friendships and family.
Fern Smith
Fern Smith
Clarence's wife, who harbors romantic ideals and has an affair with Lloyd. Her views on love lead her to make choices that affect her family dynamics significantly.
135
Novel • Fiction
Illinois • 1920s
1980
Adult
18+ years
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