40 pages • 1 hour read
The Guest
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Book Brief
304
Novel • Fiction
Long Island, New York • Contemporary
2023
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Emma Cline's The Guest follows a 22-year-old woman named Alex who is spending the summer in the Hamptons with her older, wealthy boyfriend Simon, but her precarious lifestyle leads to a series of mistakes that cause Simon to send her away. Alex tries to find ways to stay in the Hamptons, maneuvering through various social situations and encountering new characters, all while avoiding the dangerous Dom from the city. The novel delves into themes of survival, self-sabotage, resilience, and manipulation. This guide contains references to substance-use disorder, suicidal ideation, and self-harm.
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Dark
Unnerving
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
96,408 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Emma Cline's The Guest is met with praise for its evocative prose and compelling protagonist. Critics laud Cline's ability to capture an atmospheric sense of dislocation. However, some find the plot meanders and lacks resolution. Overall, the novel is a nuanced exploration of identity and transience, recommended for readers who appreciate introspective narratives.
Who Should Read The Guest?
The ideal reader for Emma Cline's The Guest enjoys character-driven narratives with complex protagonists navigating morally ambiguous situations. Fans of Ottessa Moshfegh's My Year of Rest and Relaxation or Sally Rooney's Normal People will appreciate the introspective storytelling and nuanced exploration of contemporary life.
96,408 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Dom
Dom
The primary antagonist, who is never seen but exerts influence through Alex's fear and memories. Alex is scared of Dom due to having stolen drugs and money from him.
Simon
Simon
A wealthy older man with whom Alex is involved at the start of the novel. Their relationship is transactional, and he is unaware of Alex's background as a sex worker.
Jack
Jack
A 17-year-old boy who meets Alex at the beach and becomes infatuated with her. He is dealing with his own personal issues and lives with his father in the Hamptons.
Lori, Karen, Nicholas, and Max
Lori, Karen, Nicholas, and Max
A group of individuals who work for the wealthy and have the ability to see through Alex's façade. They hold various service roles and provide insights into the disparity between appearances and reality in the Hamptons.
304
Novel • Fiction
Long Island, New York • Contemporary
2023
Adult
18+ years
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