Plot Summary

The Brothers K

David James Duncan
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The Brothers K

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1992

Book Brief

David James Duncan

The Brothers K

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1992
Book Details
Pages

645

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Pacific Northwest • 1950s

Theme
Topic
Publication Year

1992

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Fashioned after Dostoyevsky's The Brothers Karamazov, David James Duncan's The Brothers K spans from the 1950s to the 1970s, chronicling the lives of the Chance family—mother, father, and six children—as they navigate dreams deferred, mental illness, the Vietnam War, and profound loss while devoted to Christianity and baseball.

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Emotional

Inspirational

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.5

17,469 ratings

86%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Brothers K by David James Duncan has been praised for its rich, multi-layered narrative and profound character development, weaving together family dynamics and personal growth. Readers appreciate its humor and poignant moments but note its length and complex structure may be daunting. While some find the religious and philosophical musings enriching, others feel they overwhelm the story.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Brothers K?

Fans of rich, multigenerational family sagas, particularly those who enjoyed The Brothers Karamazov or The Art of Fielding, will be captivated by The Brothers K by David James Duncan. This novel is perfect for readers who appreciate complex characters, baseball, and spiritual quests.

4.5

17,469 ratings

86%

Loved it

9%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

645

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Pacific Northwest • 1950s

Theme
Topic
Publication Year

1992

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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