Open Secrets

by Alice Munro
Open Secrets cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Short Story Collections
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 3101
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780099459712
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 1995-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Open Secrets weaves together eight interconnected stories that explore the daily lives and struggles of unconventional women in two small Ontario towns. Set against the backdrop of time, ranging from the 1850s to the present, these narratives traverse continents, touching upon locations like Brisbane and Albania. Each story delves into the lives of women who refuse to be bound by societal expectations, offering a rich tapestry of resilience and defiance. The collection is a testament to the enduring spirit of those who challenge the status quo, providing a compelling glimpse into the complexities of human nature and the threads that bind communities together. The stories in Open Secrets are not just about the characters' journeys but also about the settings that shape them. The author skillfully blends historical and contemporary elements, creating a vivid and immersive experience for the reader. The collection is a celebration of the unyielding human spirit and the power of individuality, making it a must-read for those who appreciate character-driven narratives and the exploration of societal norms.

Reviews
America Magazine · Andre Dubus III · 2024-05-14
compelling 4.75

The stories are lucid and compelling, demanding close attention and offering a deep exploration of human nature. Munro's mastery of the short story form is evident in every tale.

Andre Dubus III, writing for America Magazine, praises Munro's 'Open Secrets' as a collection that is both lucid and compelling. They highlight Munro's ability to demand close attention from her readers, rewarding them with stories that delve deep into the complexities of human nature. Dubus III sees Munro as a true master of the short story form, capable of capturing the essence of human experiences in a way that is both profound and accessible. The collection is celebrated for its emotional depth and the intricate ways in which Munro explores the hidden truths of her characters' lives.

Quick quotes

    This review by Andre Dubus III of Alice Munro's short story collection 'Open Secrets' was originally published in America magazine in 1995.

    Munro's stories are lucid and compelling.

    They demand close attention and offer a deep exploration of human nature.

Mookse and Gripes · 2018-10-28
profound 4.50

The title story is demanding but great, exploring themes of secrets and their revelations in a way that is both profound and thought-provoking. The collection as a whole is rich with layers of meaning and emotional depth.

Mookse and Gripes finds 'Open Secrets' to be a collection that requires a lot from its readers, but rewards them immensely. The title story, in particular, is both great and demanding, delving into the complexities of human relationships and the secrets that define them. They appreciate Munro's ability to weave intricate narratives that linger in the mind long after reading. The collection is seen as a testament to Munro's skill in capturing the nuances of human behavior and the often hidden truths that shape our lives.

Quick quotes

    "Open Secrets", the title story of Munro's eighth book, is great but demanding.

    A story purportedly about open secrets remains, in the end, an exploration of the hidden truths that define us.

    Munro's ability to weave intricate narratives that linger in the mind long after reading is unparalleled.

Dawn of Books · 2015-05-26
enigmatic 4.00

The stories are described as mysterious and slightly non-committal, with a blurb that adds to the intrigue. The collection is seen as a testament to Munro's skill in creating enigmatic and thought-provoking narratives.

Dawn of Books finds 'Open Secrets' to be a collection that is both mysterious and slightly non-committal, which adds to its intrigue. They appreciate the blurb at the back of the book for its enigmatic quality, which sets the tone for the stories within. The collection is seen as a testament to Munro's skill in creating narratives that are thought-provoking and leave a lasting impression. They highlight Munro's ability to capture the complexities of human relationships and the often hidden truths that shape our lives.

Quick quotes

    Open Secrets is Alice Munro's 8th short story collection and it was published in 1994.

    The blurb at the back is very mysterious and slightly non-committal.

    They are thought-provoking and leave a lasting impression.

Appears in Lists