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The Candy House

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022

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Book Brief

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Jennifer Egan

The Candy House

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Various Locations • Contemporary

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Candy House by Jennifer Egan explores interconnected stories of various characters grappling with issues of technology, social media, and human identity. The novel follows tech genius Bix Bouton, who creates software that shares human memories, and delves into the lives of Alfred and Miles Hollander, Drew and Lincoln, Melora, Charlie, and Roxy Kline, Chris Salazar, and others, each facing unique existential challenges. The novel includes themes related to addiction and mental health crises.

Mysterious

Contemplative

Emotional

Bittersweet

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

3.9

67,998 ratings

60%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Jennifer Egan's The Candy House presents a complex, interwoven narrative with deep character exploration and innovative storytelling. Praised for its creativity and poignant insights, it also occasionally overwhelms with its ambitious structure. While some readers appreciate the challenging, multifaceted plot, others find it disjointed. Overall, a compelling but demanding read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Candy House?

Readers who enjoy The Candy House by Jennifer Egan would likely appreciate complex, interconnected narratives and speculative fiction. This book appeals to those who enjoyed the intricate structure of David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas and the imaginative depths of George Saunders' Lincoln in the Bardo.

3.9

67,998 ratings

60%

Loved it

27%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Character List

Bix Bouton

A successful tech entrepreneur whose company has transformed the internet, seeking meaningful human connection and intellectual discourse.

The youngest of the Hollander brothers, known for his disdain for inauthenticity and his provocative actions aimed at making people uncomfortable.

The oldest Hollander brother who initially appears to have a perfect life but struggles with maintaining his façade and eventually becomes a politician.

A compassionate doctor working with low-income communities, who is troubled by past events and values positive human connections.

Drew's mathematically inclined son, whose logical worldview initially impedes his ability to form deep connections but eventually surprises himself by falling in love.

An anthropologist whose groundbreaking study on human behavior algorithms influences the characters, later becoming a recluse.

Miranda's daughter, who manages her ill father's music business and rejects a software that threatens his legacy.

One of Lou's daughters, who explores familial memories through technology to understand her father better.

Charlie's sister, who struggles with addiction and uses technology to reconnect with her late father.

An entrepreneur who creates an online universe for trauma survivors, motivated by a desire to help others.

A character navigating life as both a friend to Chris and a government operative, seeking connection despite her complicated circumstances.

Chris Salazar’s uncle, a former prisoner turned successful journalist who helps people in his life navigate personal challenges.

Bix Bouton’s son, a writer who distances himself from his father's technological legacy to pursue storytelling.

The middle Hollander brother, who seeks anonymity in the military but is challenged by his lack of personal identity.

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Various Locations • Contemporary

Publication Year

2022

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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