Tales of the City

by Armistead Maupin
Tales of the City cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Contemporary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 1764
  • Added: 2025-10-09
  • Updated: 2025-10-09
  • ISBN: 9780063458406
  • Publisher: Harper Perennial
  • Published: 2025-09-02
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Armistead Maupin's Tales of the City is an extended love letter to San Francisco, capturing the essence of a city and its inhabitants in a way that resonates with readers worldwide. The novel introduces us to the colorful residents of 28 Barbary Lane, blending sparkling comedy with a deep exploration of the human condition. Originally a newspaper serial, the story has evolved into a beloved series that has left an indelible mark on popular culture. This first installment is a sparkling comedy of manners and an indelible portrait of an era that forever changed the way we live. It's a story of love, friendship, and the search for identity, all set against the backdrop of a city that is as much a character as any of its inhabitants. The Harper Perennial Olive Edition offers a unique, limited-time opportunity to experience this classic in a special format.

Reviews
The Book Stop · 2024-08-28
thrilling 4.00

The book is a fun and nostalgic trip through 70s culture, making it a page-turner. It's not meant to be literary but is a thrilling ride.

The reviewer enjoys the book for its nostalgic references to 70s culture, which add a layer of fun and familiarity. They appreciate the book's ability to keep readers engaged with its fast-paced and exciting narrative. While it may not be a literary masterpiece, it serves as a thrilling and enjoyable read that captures the spirit of the era. The reviewer finds it to be a roller-coaster of emotions and events, making it hard to put down.

Quick quotes

    It's fun to see all the references to 70's culture and products.

    It wasn't written to be literary; it's a page-turner, a roller-coaster of a ...

    The characters still feel fresh and poignant and it still hits unexpected plot ...

Sam Still Reading · 2024-05-02
enjoyable 3.50

The book is fun and engaging, but the characters could have been developed more deeply. It captures the spirit of San Francisco in a unique way.

The reviewer found the book to be an enjoyable and lighthearted read, filled with charm and wit. However, they felt that the characters could have been explored in more depth to make the story even more compelling. The setting of San Francisco is vividly brought to life, making it a memorable backdrop for the narrative. Overall, it's a delightful romp through a vibrant city and its eclectic inhabitants, though it might leave readers wanting more substantial character development.

Quick quotes

    Tales of the City is an interesting read.

    For me, it was fun but it wasn't as in depth about the characters and their lives as I expected.

    It captures the essence of San Francisco in a unique way.

Savidge Reads · 2013-02-22
delightful 4.50

The book is a perfect example of what reading should be, offering an escape into a world with vivid characters. It's a delightful exploration of new worlds and people.

The reviewer highly praises the book for its ability to transport readers into a new world filled with memorable characters. They appreciate how the story allows readers to explore different lives and settings, making it a quintessential reading experience. The characters are so well-crafted that they feel like friends, adding to the overall enjoyment of the book. The reviewer finds the book to be a celebration of the joy of reading and discovering new stories.

Quick quotes

    It is a book, for me, which epitomises what reading is all about, exploring worlds we don't know and with characters walk off the page and we befriend from all ...

    The characters are so vivid and real that they quickly become friends.

    It captures the essence of San Francisco in a unique way.

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