69 pages • 2 hours read
The Great Believers
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Book Brief
421
Novel • Fiction
Chicago, Illinois • 1980s
2018
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai alternates between the stories of Yale Tishman, a gay man navigating the AIDS epidemic in 1980s Chicago, and Fiona Marcus, a woman searching for her estranged daughter in Paris 30 years later. Their narratives explore the impact of the crisis on friendships, love, and survival. The book includes instances and discussions of anti-gay prejudice and police brutality.
Melancholic
Emotional
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
158,842 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai has been praised for its poignant storytelling and richly developed characters. The novel's dual timelines effectively convey the impact of the AIDS epidemic, though some critics felt the secondary narrative was less compelling. Overall, it is an emotionally resonant and well-researched work that resonates deeply with readers.
Who Should Read The Great Believers?
Readers who would enjoy The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai are fans of emotional, character-driven narratives exploring themes of friendship, loss, and the AIDS crisis. Similar to A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara and The Hours by Michael Cunningham, they appreciate intricate storytelling with historical context and deep, poignant character studies.
158,842 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
421
Novel • Fiction
Chicago, Illinois • 1980s
2018
Adult
18+ years
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