The Laughing Man
The Laughing Man
Fiction | Short Story | Adult
Book Brief
Beta20
Short Story • Fiction
•
American LiteratureNew York City • 1920s
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In "The Laughing Man" by J.D. Salinger, a young person listens to stories told by a beloved camp leader, known as Chief, who shares adventurous tales featuring a heroic figure called the Laughing Man. As their bond deepens, the stories mirror the complexities of Chief’s personal life, providing insight into relationships and the nature of storytelling.
Bittersweet
Mysterious
Contemplative
Emotional
Nostalgic
Reviews & Readership
724 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Laughing Man by J.D. Salinger is praised for its captivating storytelling and rich character development. Readers appreciate the emotional depth and narrative style, highlighting its unique structure. However, some find the story's pacing uneven and its conclusion unsatisfying. Overall, it remains a compelling exploration of childhood and imagination.
Who Should Read The Laughing Man?
A reader who enjoys The Catcher in the Rye and A Perfect Day for Bananafish would appreciate J.D. Salinger's The Laughing Man. Fans of coming-of-age tales, intricate narratives, and rich character development are ideal. It appeals to those interested in the complexities of youth and nuanced storytelling.
724 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
20
Short Story • Fiction
•
American LiteratureNew York City • 1920s
Adult
18+ years
We’re just getting started
Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!