45 pages • 1 hour read
Jonathan FranzenThe Corrections
Jonathan FranzenFiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2001A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
653
Novel • Fiction
St. Jude, Midwest • 1990s
2001
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen follows the Lambert family, a dysfunctional Midwestern group led by aging parents Alfred and Enid. Their three children—Gary, Chip, and Denise—navigate personal struggles and conflicts while dealing with their father's declining health. Spanning various times and locations, the novel explores themes of family, identity, and societal expectations. The book includes instances of depression, dementia, financial deceit, and extramarital affairs.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Emotional
Gritty
Reviews & Readership
193,350 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Jonathan Franzen's The Corrections has been praised for its intricate character development and insightful depiction of family dynamics, resonating with many readers. Critics highlight its deep emotional engagement and the intricate weaving of multiple storylines. However, some have criticized its length and occasional digressions, finding parts of the narrative bloated. Overall, it's a compelling but polarizing read.
Who Should Read The Corrections?
A reader who enjoys richly detailed family sagas with complex characters and dark humor would find The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen compelling. Fans of novels like Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides and The Marriage Plot by Eugenides or Freedom by Franzen will likely appreciate its depth and narrative style.
193,350 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
653
Novel • Fiction
St. Jude, Midwest • 1990s
2001
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.