42 pages • 1 hour read
The Rainbow
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Book Brief
544
Novel • Fiction
England • Early 20th Century
1915
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Rainbow by D. H. Lawrence follows three generations of the Brangwen family in Nottinghamshire, England, during the Second Industrial Revolution, exploring their evolving relationships, spiritual lives, and the impact of modernity. The novel traces Tom Brangwen's marriage to Lydia, their daughter Anna's tumultuous relationship with Will, and their granddaughter Ursula's quest for independence and self-fulfillment. The story addresses sexual desire, emotional struggles, and the challenges of societal change.
Contemplative
Emotional
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
21,438 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Rainbow by D. H. Lawrence is praised for its deep exploration of human sexuality and emotional complexities within family dynamics. Critics appreciate its poetic prose and psychological depth. However, some find its narrative pacing slow and the characters occasionally inaccessible. Overall, it's a richly layered novel that engages and challenges readers.
Who Should Read The Rainbow?
A reader who enjoys The Rainbow by D. H. Lawrence would likely appreciate intricate character studies, deep emotional narratives, and explorations of personal and societal changes. This audience might also favor works like Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë and Middlemarch by George Eliot, which similarly delve into complex human relationships and moral growth.
21,438 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Anna Lensky (Brangwen)
Anna Lensky (Brangwen)
Tom's stepdaughter who is independent, marries Will, and experiences a tumultuous marriage; she finds joy in motherhood.
Will Brangwen
Will Brangwen
Tom's nephew and Anna's husband, who experiences mood swings and a contentious marriage before stabilizing in adulthood; he shares a close bond with his daughter, Ursula.
Ursula Brangwen
Ursula Brangwen
A central figure who is ambitious and independent, pursuing a career in teaching and exploring her identity; she navigates her relationships and ambitions in a male-dominated society.
544
Novel • Fiction
England • Early 20th Century
1915
Adult
18+ years
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