Plot Summary

Starting Out in the Evening

Brian Morton
Guide cover placeholder

Starting Out in the Evening

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998

Book Brief

Brian Morton

Starting Out in the Evening

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998
Book Details
Pages

338

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 1990s

Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

3.7

1,683 ratings

55%

Loved it

31%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Starting Out in the Evening?

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.

3.7

1,683 ratings

55%

Loved it

31%

Mixed feelings

14%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

338

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New York City • 1990s

Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!