Some Luck
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2014
416
Novel • Fiction
Iowa • 1920s
2014
Adult
18+ years
Some Luck by Jane Smiley tells the story of the Langdon family over three generations on an Iowa farm, beginning in 1920. Walter and Rosanna Langdon navigate the trials of early 20th-century farm life, including economic hardships, the Great Depression, and personal losses. The family grows with the birth of multiple children, each facing their own struggles while remaining deeply connected to their home and each other. The narrative explores themes of faith, resilience, and the enduring bonds of family. This book includes references to suicide and the death of a child.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
25,551 ratings
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Jane Smiley's Some Luck has garnered praise for its rich character development and vivid portrayal of mid-20th-century rural America, capturing the intricacies of farm life. Critics appreciate its ambitious multi-generational narrative. However, some find its vast timeline leads to uneven pacing. Overall, it's a compelling blend of historical detail and emotional depth.
A reader who would enjoy Some Luck by Jane Smiley is likely fond of multigenerational family sagas set against the backdrop of rural America. Comparable to Willa Cather's My Ántonia and Marilynne Robinson's Gilead, they appreciate richly developed characters and a deep sense of place. Fans of historical fiction or agrarian life narratives will be particularly drawn in.
25,551 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
416
Novel • Fiction
Iowa • 1920s
2014
Adult
18+ years
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