The Maples Stories

The Maples Stories cover
Good Books rating 4.5
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Technical
  • ID: 11060
  • Added: 2026-02-18
  • Updated: 2026-02-21
  • Publisher: Everyman's Library
  • Published: 2009-08-04
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 2

Collected together for the first time in hardcover, 'The Maples Stories' offers a profound exploration of love, time, and the intricacies of a single marriage. These 18 stories, drawn from across John Updike's illustrious career, provide a rich tapestry of emotional depth and narrative brilliance. Each story in this collection captures a different moment in the life of the Maples, revealing the evolving dynamics of their relationship. Updike's signature prose and keen insight into human nature make this a compelling read for anyone interested in the complexities of modern love and marriage.

Reviews
mirabile dictu · 2015-11-07
moving 4.75

The collection is very moving and the characters are well-developed. Updike's writing is exceptional, capturing the essence of the characters and their relationships.

The reviewer finds 'The Maples Stories' to be a deeply moving collection of short stories. They appreciate the development of the characters, Richard and Joan Maple, and how Updike's writing brings their relationship to life. The reviewer admires Updike's ability to capture the complexities of marriage and the emotions involved, making the stories both relatable and engaging. The collection is seen as a testament to Updike's skill as a writer.


Quick quotes

    A very moving collection of stories.

    Updike, of course, says it better than anyone else can.

    I liked both characters so much.

insightful 4.25

Updike's writing is praised for its elegant precision in capturing the complexities of marriage. The stories are seen as a rich exploration of relationships and life.

The reviewer highlights John Updike's elegant precision in capturing the complexities of marriage in 'The Maples Stories'. They note that despite the sometimes distasteful behavior of the characters, Updike's writing makes the stories compelling and insightful. The collection is seen as a rich exploration of relationships, with a focus on the happy moments as well as the decline. The reviewer appreciates Updike's ability to illuminate the nuances of marriage and life.


Quick quotes

    However distasteful his characters' behavior, one reads Updike for the elegant precision with which he captures what he called in his 1979...

    The stories are a rich exploration of relationships and life.

    Updike's writing makes the stories compelling and insightful.