The Beginning of Spring
The Beginning of Spring
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1989
Book Brief
Beta188
Novel • Fiction
•
Historical Fiction•
British LiteratureMoscow, Russia • 1910s
1989
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Beginning of Spring, Penelope Fitzgerald portrays a 1913 Moscow setting where an English printer, Frank Reid, navigates life after his wife unexpectedly leaves him. As spring approaches, Frank grapples with managing his family's needs and the complexities of personal and cultural dynamics, exploring themes of resilience and change amidst uncertainty.
Contemplative
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
4,856 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Beginning of Spring by Penelope Fitzgerald is praised for its evocative prose and richly detailed portrayal of 1913 Russia. Critics admire Fitzgerald's understated storytelling and complex characters. However, some find the plot's subtlety challenging, and the narrative's ambiguities may not appeal to all readers. Overall, a nuanced and atmospheric novel.
Who Should Read The Beginning of Spring?
A reader who enjoys The Beginning of Spring by Penelope Fitzgerald likely appreciates historical fiction with rich, atmospheric descriptions. Fans of A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles or The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro, which explore nuanced characters in historical settings, would find this book engaging.
4,856 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
188
Novel • Fiction
•
Historical Fiction•
British LiteratureMoscow, Russia • 1910s
1989
Adult
18+ years
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