Plot Summary

The Body Artist

Don DeLillo
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The Body Artist

Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 2001

Book Brief

Don DeLillo

The Body Artist

Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 2001
Book Details
Pages

128

Format

Novella • Fiction

Setting

Contemporary

Publication Year

2001

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Body Artist by Don DeLillo tells the story of Lauren Hartke, a body artist, who encounters a mysterious figure named Mr. Tuttle after her husband's suicide, exploring themes of grief and artistic creation through a mix of third-person narrative and newspaper articles. The book addresses the sensitive topic of suicide.

Contemplative

Mysterious

Melancholic

Unnerving

Serene

Reviews & Readership

3.6

11,921 ratings

42%

Loved it

36%

Mixed feelings

22%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Don DeLillo's The Body Artist is a haunting, meditative exploration of grief and identity, praised for its poetic prose and intricate narrative structure. Critics commend its thematic depth and emotional resonance but note a slow, sometimes opaque storytelling style. The novel's abstract nature might challenge readers seeking a traditional plot. MLA

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Body Artist?

A reader who appreciates deeply atmospheric, introspective, and meditative prose similar to Beloved by Toni Morrison or The Hours by Michael Cunningham would likely enjoy The Body Artist by Don DeLillo. This novel appeals to those interested in exploring themes of grief, identity, and the passage of time.

3.6

11,921 ratings

42%

Loved it

36%

Mixed feelings

22%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

128

Format

Novella • Fiction

Setting

Contemporary

Publication Year

2001

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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