The Magnificent Ambersons
The Magnificent Ambersons
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1918
Book Brief
516
Novel • Fiction
Indianapolis, Indiana • 1900s
1918
Adult
16-18 years
Super Short Summary
The Magnificent Ambersons by Booth Tarkington follows the aristocratic Amberson family over three generations as their fortune declines. Major Amberson's daughter, Isabel, marries Wilbur Minafer, and they have a son, George, who grows up spoiled and disrespectful. George's love interest, Lucy, complicates matters, while financial missteps lead to the family's downfall amidst a rapidly changing society and technological landscape.
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
12,717 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Magnificent Ambersons by Booth Tarkington is lauded for its rich, detailed portrayal of the decline of a wealthy Midwestern family and the American societal shift in the early 20th century. Critics praise its character depth and historical context. However, some find its pacing slow, and its moralistic tone potentially off-putting. Engaging yet divisive.
Who Should Read The Magnificent Ambersons?
Readers who cherish exploring American societal shifts at the turn of the 20th century will savor Booth Tarkington’s The Magnificent Ambersons. Fans of Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence or F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby will appreciate its intricate family dynamics and critique of changing social hierarchies.
12,717 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
516
Novel • Fiction
Indianapolis, Indiana • 1900s
1918
Adult
16-18 years
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