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50 pages 1 hour read

The Pilot's Wife

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998

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Book Brief

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Anita Shreve

The Pilot's Wife

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1998
Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New England • 1990s

Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

760L

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Super Short Summary

In The Pilot’s Wife by Anita Shreve, Kathryn Lyons, a teacher from Fortune’s Rocks, New Hampshire, is shattered when her pilot husband, Jack, dies in a plane crash. As she uncovers his secret life, Kathryn's journey for the truth takes her from New Hampshire to London and Ireland, forcing her to reassess their relationship and face surprising revelations, including espionage and infidelity.

Melancholic

Mysterious

Emotional

Contemplative

Dark

Reviews & Readership

3.8

103,959 ratings

54%

Loved it

34%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Readers appreciate The Pilot's Wife by Anita Shreve for its intense emotional depth and gripping narrative. The exploration of grief and betrayal resonates strongly. However, some find the plot twists predictable and the pacing uneven. Overall, it’s regarded as a compelling, though sometimes flawed, reading experience. MLA

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Pilot's Wife?

Readers who appreciate complex emotional narratives, introspective character development, and mysteries unraveled through personal discovery will enjoy The Pilot's Wife. Fans of novels like The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold and The Weight of Water by Anita Shreve herself will find this book compelling and resonant.

3.8

103,959 ratings

54%

Loved it

34%

Mixed feelings

12%

Not a fan

Character List

Kathryn Lyons

The protagonist who navigates a series of personal revelations following her husband Jack’s sudden death. She is a devoted mother to her teenage daughter, Mattie, and was raised by her grandmother in Ely.

Kathryn’s husband and a pilot, whose mysterious life comes to light after his death. His work and personal choices leave a lasting impact on his family.

An employee of the pilot’s union who supports Kathryn after Jack's death. He becomes a significant presence in her life as she processes her grief.

Kathryn and Jack’s teenage daughter, who shares her father’s unique genetic trait. She confronts her grief directly and is known for her candidness.

Kathryn’s paternal grandmother who raised her in Ely. Julia is a pragmatic and supportive figure for both Kathryn and Mattie during their grieving process.

Jack’s other wife, who embodies a life unknown to Kathryn. Her presence reveals different facets of Jack’s secret past.

Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

New England • 1990s

Publication Year

1998

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

760L

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