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43 pages 1 hour read

Wish You Well

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2000

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Book Brief

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David Baldacci

Wish You Well

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2000
Book Details
Pages

365

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Virginia • 1940s

Publication Year

2000

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

840L

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Super Short Summary

Wish You Well by David Baldacci follows 12-year-old Lou and her brother Oz, who, after a family tragedy, move from 1940s New York to rural Virginia to live with their great-grandmother. As they adapt to mountain life, they face challenges, forming deep connections that shape their understanding of family, belief, and the value of land. The story highlights themes of loss, resilience, and the transformative power of the written word.

Inspirational

Contemplative

Emotional

Nostalgic

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.3

40,717 ratings

78%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

David Baldacci’s Wish You Well is praised for its evocative portrayal of rural Virginia, bringing the setting and era to life through vivid descriptions and strong character development. Some critics, however, find the narrative pacing uneven and feel that certain moments are overly sentimental. Overall, it is a heartfelt and engaging novel that resonates emotionally with readers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Wish You Well?

Wish You Well by David Baldacci would captivate readers who appreciate heartfelt, historical dramas set in rural America. Fans of John Grisham's A Painted House or Kathryn Stockett's The Help will find its rich character development and evocative settings particularly engaging. This novel is ideal for those who enjoy poignant, family-oriented stories with strong emotional cores.

4.3

40,717 ratings

78%

Loved it

16%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Lou Cardinal

An assertive and protective 12-year-old girl who dreams of becoming a writer like her father, and she struggles with family relationships and her new life in the mountains.

Lou's imaginative and easily frightened 7-year-old brother, who believes in magic and looks up to his sister while learning to navigate challenges on his own.

The strong-willed and charitable paternal grandmother of Lou and Oz, who helps raise them and encourages a love for the mountains and hard work.

Lou and Oz's father, a critically acclaimed writer who returned to the mountains with his family before his untimely death.

Lou and Oz's mother, who experiences a catatonic state after a family tragedy and becomes a symbol of hope for her daughter, Lou.

A country lawyer and good friend to Louisa, who takes an interest in helping Lou and Oz and supports the family during challenging times.

A loyal and nurturing man whom Louisa raised, who contributes to the family's well-being and survival on the farm.

A talkative mountain boy and friend of Lou and Oz, who shares stories about magic and is welcomed into the family circle by Louisa.

Louisa's ill-tempered neighbor, a prosperous landowner with a selfish and destructive nature, who creates tension in the community.

George's eldest son, who initially causes trouble for Lou and Oz but comes to appreciate the kindness shown to his siblings.

Book Details
Pages

365

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Virginia • 1940s

Publication Year

2000

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

840L

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