Plot Summary

The View from Castle Rock

Alice Munro
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The View from Castle Rock

Fiction | Short Story Collection | Adult | Published in 2006

Book Brief

Alice Munro

The View from Castle Rock

Fiction | Short Story Collection | Adult | Published in 2006
Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Short Story Collection • Fiction

Publication Year

2006

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The View from Castle Rock by Alice Munro is a collection of 11 short stories blending historical and contemporary narratives, inspired by Munro's ancestors and her life. The collection begins in 1700s Scotland, detailing the Laidlaw family's emigration to America, and shifts to modern-day accounts of Munro's familial relationships and personal growth. Themes include familial hardship and historical migration.

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Nostalgic

Emotional

Informative

Reviews & Readership

3.8

5,511 ratings

60%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Alice Munro's The View from Castle Rock has been praised for its lyrical prose, deep character exploration, and blending of fiction with autobiographical elements. Some critics feel the pacing is uneven and certain stories are less compelling. Overall, Munro's narrative craft and emotional depth make this a rewarding, if occasionally inconsistent, read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The View from Castle Rock?

A reader who enjoys The View from Castle Rock by Alice Munro likely appreciates intricate, character-driven narratives and short story collections. Fans of Munro's work might also enjoy Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout or Interpreter of Maladies by Jhumpa Lahiri, as they similarly explore complex human emotions and relationships.

3.8

5,511 ratings

60%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Short Story Collection • Fiction

Publication Year

2006

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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