39 pages • 1 hour read
The Topeka School
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Book Brief
282
Novel • Fiction
Topeka, Kansas • 1990s
2019
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Topeka School by Ben Lerner follows Adam, a talented teenage debater, and his psychologist parents, Jonathan and Jane, who work at a renowned Topeka institution. The narrative alternates between their perspectives and includes third-person sections about Darren, an intellectually disabled student. The novel’s plot centers on Adam's debate competitions, family dynamics, and Darren’s struggles with bullying and violence. The story addresses themes of mental health, relationships, and socio-political issues.
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Emotional
Nostalgic
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
29,501 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Ben Lerner’s The Topeka School intricately explores American masculinity, identity, and political discourse through a young protagonist. Reviews praise its lyrical prose and intellectual depth. Critics, however, note its dense narrative and abrupt transitions. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking read for those interested in language and psychology.
Who Should Read The Topeka School?
A reader who enjoys The Topeka School by Ben Lerner likely appreciates introspective literary fiction, complex character development, and sociopolitical themes. Fans of Jonathan Franzen's The Corrections or Rachel Cusk's Outline trilogy, who seek a nuanced exploration of American life and identity, will find this novel compelling.
29,501 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jane
Jane
Adam’s mother, a successful psychologist known for her self-help book, who deals with the complexities of personal relationships amidst her rising public prominence.
Jonathan
Jonathan
Adam’s father, a psychologist who prioritizes his practice over ambition and grapples with personal shortcomings and relationships.
Darren
Darren
An intellectually disabled teenager who seeks social acceptance at school, illustrating themes of integration and alienation.
Sima
Sima
A psychologist and colleague of Jane and Jonathan, who becomes entwined in their lives both professionally and personally.
282
Novel • Fiction
Topeka, Kansas • 1990s
2019
Adult
18+ years
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