46 pages • 1 hour read
The Nix
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Book Brief
752
Novel • Fiction
Iowa • 2010s
2016
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Nathan Hill's The Nix, Samuel Andreson-Anderson, a writer struggling with writer's block, is compelled to pen a provocative memoir about his estranged mother, Faye, who reemerges into his life as a controversial figure after being caught on camera throwing rocks at a presidential candidate. The narrative explores Samuel's efforts to understand Faye's past, uncovering a larger story that spans decades and affects the entire family. The book addresses sensitive topics including abandonment, mental health struggles, and trauma from war.
Mysterious
Emotional
Melancholic
Humorous
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
90,538 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Nathan Hill's The Nix blends humor, social critique, and emotional depth, captivating readers with its intricate narrative and richly developed characters. Many praise its sharp wit and cultural commentary, but some find the plot meanders and the pacing uneven. Overall, it engages with its multifaceted storytelling despite occasional verbosity.
Who Should Read The Nix?
Readers who relish multifaceted narratives with humor and poignancy will appreciate Nathan Hill’s The Nix. Similar to Jonathan Franzen’s The Corrections and Donna Tartt’s The Goldfinch, this novel appeals to those who enjoy intricate plots, rich character development, and social commentary intertwined with personal struggles.
90,538 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Faye Andresen-Anderson
Faye Andresen-Anderson
Samuel's mother, who made the difficult decision to leave her family in 1988, embarks on a personal journey of reflection and reconciliation as she confronts her past and its impact on her identity and relationships.
Alice
Alice
A former student activist who embraced idealism and radical politics during the 1960s, her character evolves into a person committed to quiet, meaningful change, maintaining hope and compassion in her personal and social endeavors.
Bethany Fall
Bethany Fall
The object of Samuel's youthful infatuation, her life takes unexpected turns, including personal loss, which lead her to reevaluate her relationships and ultimately become a source of support for Samuel.
752
Novel • Fiction
Iowa • 2010s
2016
Adult
18+ years
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