BOOK BRIEF

The Five-Forty-Eight

John Cheever
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The Five-Forty-Eight

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 2009

Book Brief

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John Cheever

The Five-Forty-Eight

Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 2009
Book Details
Format

Short Story • Fiction

Genre
Classic Fiction

Education
Setting

New York City • 1950s

Topic
Education

World History
Publication Year

2009

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In "The Five-Forty-Eight" by John Cheever, a man named Blake encounters his former employee on a train. The story explores themes of power, alienation, and vulnerability as Blake is confronted with past actions and their consequences.

Suspenseful

Mysterious

Dark

Unnerving

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

3.7

175 ratings

61%

Loved it

31%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

John Cheever’s The Five-Forty-Eight is praised for its psychological depth and intricate character portrayal. Critics commend its exploration of power dynamics and redemption, yet some find the story’s pace uneven. The narrative’s tension and Cheever’s sharp prose effectively engage readers, offering a compelling dissection of human vulnerability and flawed relationships.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Five-Forty-Eight?

A reader who appreciates The Five-Forty-Eight by John Cheever likely enjoys character-driven narratives and psychological drama, akin to fans of The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger or The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, focusing on inner turmoil and societal critiques.

3.7

175 ratings

61%

Loved it

31%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Book Details
Format

Short Story • Fiction

Genre
Classic Fiction

Education
Setting

New York City • 1950s

Topic
Education

World History
Publication Year

2009

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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