44 pages • 1 hour read
The Book of Goose
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Book Brief
368
Novel • Fiction
Rural France • 1950s
2022
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Book of Goose by Yiyun Li follows Agnès, a French woman living in America, who begins writing about her childhood in post-WWII France after learning of her friend Fabienne's death. Together, they authored a book in their youth, leading to Agnès's fleeting fame. The novel delves into themes of female friendship, the scars of war, and the complexities of memory and storytelling.
Mysterious
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Yiyun Li's The Book of Goose receives acclaim for its lyrical prose and deep exploration of friendship and artistic ambition. Readers praise the complex characters and emotional depth, though some find the pacing uneven. Balancing beauty and melancholy, the novel is seen as a poignant, if occasionally challenging, read.
Who Should Read The Book of Goose?
Readers who treasure profound friendships, intricate coming-of-age tales, and evocative prose will find Yiyun Li's The Book of Goose captivating. Fans of Elena Ferrante's My Brilliant Friend and Jhumpa Lahiri's The Namesake will appreciate Li's nuanced exploration of identity, loyalty, and the complexities of personal growth.
Fabienne
Fabienne
A peasant girl with a knack for storytelling, who convinces Agnès to take credit for her stories. Her intelligence and unconventional behavior often lead to her being misunderstood by those around her.
Mrs. Townsend (Kazumi)
Mrs. Townsend (Kazumi)
An Englishwoman who runs Woodsway school and becomes involved in Agnès's life after her literary success. She seeks to "sophisticate" Agnès, often imposing her own aspirations onto her.
Monsieur Devaux
Monsieur Devaux
The local postmaster in Saint Rémy, who assists Agnès and Fabienne in publishing their first book. His interest in Fabienne crosses boundaries, complicating his involvement with the girls.
368
Novel • Fiction
Rural France • 1950s
2022
Adult
18+ years
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