53 pages • 1 hour read
The History of Love
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Book Brief
272
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 2000s
2005
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The History of Love by Nicole Krauss interweaves three stories. Leo Gursky, a Holocaust survivor in New York, writes a book for his lost love, Alma. Alma Singer, a teenage girl in Brooklyn, is named after a character from that book. Connections unfold as Alma seeks the real-life inspiration for her namesake and finds Leo. Themes include love, loneliness, and the power of literature woven through fragmented narratives and inventive typography.
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
141,321 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Nicole Krauss' The History of Love is widely praised for its lyrical prose and poignant exploration of love, loss, and human connection. Critics appreciate the interweaving narratives and character depth. However, some find the plot convoluted and occasionally confusing. Overall, it’s a touching, evocative read that resonates emotionally.
Who Should Read The History of Love?
Readers who revel in intricate narratives and emotional depth, akin to those in Jonathan Safran Foer’s Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close or Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, will find The History of Love by Nicole Krauss compelling. It’s perfect for aficionados of literary fiction exploring love, loss, and connection.
141,321 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
272
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 2000s
2005
Adult
18+ years
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