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34 pages 1 hour read

The Stone Diaries

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1993

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Book Brief

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Carol Shields

The Stone Diaries

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

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Multiple Locations • 20th century

Theme
Publication Year

1993

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1160L

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Super Short Summary

The Stone Diaries by Carol Shields is the fictional autobiography of Daisy Goodwill Flett, whose life spans much of the 20th century in North America. The novel, which jumps in time and perspective, begins with Daisy's birth and her mother's death and follows her life as she navigates family, love, loss, and self-discovery. The narrative incorporates multiple characters' viewpoints, family tree diagrams, and "real" photos, exploring the lines between reality and fiction. Sexual feelings from an adult towards a child are described.

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Melancholic

Nostalgic

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.0

42,292 ratings

69%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Carol Shields' The Stone Diaries is lauded for its intricate portrayal of an ordinary woman's life, capturing the essence of femininity and human experience. Reviewers praise its rich narrative and character depth, though some find its fragmented structure challenging. Overall, it is celebrated for its emotional depth and profound reflections on life's moments.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Stone Diaries?

Readers who appreciate introspective novels with strong character development and a focus on ordinary lives would enjoy The Stone Diaries by Carol Shields. Fans of books like Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith will find similar themes of personal resilience and everyday struggles.

4.0

42,292 ratings

69%

Loved it

23%

Mixed feelings

8%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Multiple Locations • 20th century

Theme
Publication Year

1993

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

1160L

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