56 pages • 1 hour read
The Accidental Tourist
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
352
Novel • Fiction
Baltimore, Maryland • 1980s
1985
Adult
18+ years
630L
Super Short Summary
The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler follows Macon Leary, a travel guide writer from Baltimore, as he grapples with life after the tragic loss of his son and the end of his marriage. Macon moves in with his quirky siblings but forms an unexpected relationship with Muriel Pritchett, an eccentric dog trainer. This new connection helps Macon confront his grief and isolation, bringing transformative changes to his life. The book addresses sensitive themes, including grief and loss.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
110,702 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Anne Tyler's The Accidental Tourist masterfully balances humor and melancholy in the tale of Macon Leary. Readers praise Tyler's nuanced character development and poignant exploration of grief and healing. However, some find the narrative slow and the protagonist's emotional detachment challenging. Overall, it's a compelling, introspective read.
Who Should Read The Accidental Tourist?
A reader who enjoys The Accidental Tourist by Anne Tyler is likely drawn to character-driven narratives exploring themes of personal growth and family dynamics. Similar to fans of John Irving's The Cider House Rules and Anne Lamott's Rosie, they appreciate introspective storytelling, quirky characters, and subtle humor.
110,702 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
352
Novel • Fiction
Baltimore, Maryland • 1980s
1985
Adult
18+ years
630L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.