Plot Summary

The Shipping News

Annie Proulx
Guide cover placeholder

The Shipping News

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1993

Book Brief

Annie Proulx

The Shipping News

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1993
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Newfoundland • 1990s

Publication Year

1993

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

730L

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In The Shipping News by Annie Proulx, emotionally broken Quoyle moves to his ancestral home in Newfoundland with his aunt and two daughters after a series of personal tragedies. Quoyle begins working at a local newspaper and gradually rebuilds his life amidst quirky townsfolk, enduring family secrets, and unexpected romance. Topics include suicide, emotional abuse, and attempted child trafficking.

Melancholic

Mysterious

Gritty

Contemplative

Dark

Reviews & Readership

4.1

151,178 ratings

69%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Annie Proulx's The Shipping News has garnered wide acclaim for its beautifully descriptive prose, vivid portrayal of Newfoundland, and richly developed characters. Critics praise its dark humor and emotional depth but note the novel's slow pacing and dense narrative can be challenging. Overall, it's lauded for its compelling and atmospheric storytelling.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Shipping News?

A reader who gravitates towards richly detailed, character-driven narratives in remote settings would enjoy The Shipping News by Annie Proulx. Fans of the atmospheric and introspective nature found in books like Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout or A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving will find this novel captivating.

4.1

151,178 ratings

69%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Newfoundland • 1990s

Publication Year

1993

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

730L

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!