Starting Out in the Evening
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998
338
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1990s
1998
Adult
18+ years
Starting Out in the Evening by Brian Morton tells the story of 71-year-old Leonard Schiller, an elderly writer in New York City working on his final novel, and 24-year-old postgraduate student Heather Wolfe, who decides to interview him for her thesis. Their interactions influence them both, with Heather reigniting Leonard's passion for writing and tackling her career ambitions, while Leonard provides insights into the struggles of the literary world.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Emotional
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
1,683 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Brian Morton's Starting Out in the Evening is praised for its profound character development and elegant prose. Critics admire Morton's exploration of aging and ambition. However, some readers find the pacing slow and the resolution unsatisfying. Overall, it is a thoughtful, introspective novel appealing to those who enjoy character-driven stories.
A reader who would enjoy Starting Out in the Evening by Brian Morton is likely a fan of character-driven literary fiction with a focus on introspection and emotional depth. They might appreciate novels like Kafka on the Shore by Haruki Murakami or Stoner by John Williams, which similarly explore complex characters and intellectual themes.
1,683 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
338
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1990s
1998
Adult
18+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!