Dear Life

by Alice Munro
Dear Life cover
Good Books rating 4.44
Short Story Collections
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 3107
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-31
  • ISBN: 9780701187842
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2012-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 4

In 'Dear Life,' a young soldier returns from the Second World War, intending to reunite with his fiancée. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when he steps off the train before his stop and onto the farm of another woman. This decision sets him on a path of constant movement and change, exploring themes of love, identity, and the consequences of our choices. The book concludes with four deeply personal pieces that draw from the author's own childhood experiences, offering a poignant and introspective look at life's complexities. These final sections are 'autobiographical in feeling,' providing a raw and honest glimpse into the author's past and the landscapes that shaped her.

Reviews
Readability · 2019-08-28
brilliant 5.00

Dear Life is celebrated for its brilliance, with Munro's writing changing the way the reviewer thinks about short stories. The collection is described as infinitely worth reading.

The reviewer is deeply moved by Dear Life, praising Munro's brilliance and her unique approach to the short story form. They mention how Munro's writing has changed their perspective on what short stories can achieve, highlighting the depth and complexity of her narratives. The reviewer finds the collection infinitely worth reading, appreciating Munro's ability to capture the essence of human experiences with such precision and insight. The stories are seen as a testament to Munro's masterful storytelling, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.

Quick quotes

    Dear Life is infinitely worth reading, and the brilliance of Munro's writing has changed the way I think about short stories.

    Munro's stories are a testament to her masterful storytelling.

    The collection is a profound exploration of human experiences.

The Common · 2013-11-02
profound 4.25

The stories in 'Dear Life' are terser and more concise than Munro's earlier works, yet they retain her signature depth and insight. The collection is a testament to Munro's enduring talent and her ability to explore the human condition with remarkable nuance.

The Common's review notes that the stories in 'Dear Life' are more concise and to the point compared to Munro's earlier works. However, this terseness does not diminish the depth and insight that Munro brings to her storytelling. The reviewer appreciates the way Munro uses ordinary characters and events to explore the complexities of the human condition. The collection is praised for its ability to capture the essence of life's fleeting moments and the emotional resonance they carry. The reviewer finds the stories deeply moving and thought-provoking, highlighting Munro's enduring talent and her unparalleled ability to connect with readers on a profound level.

Quick quotes

    The fourteen stories in Alice Munro's latest collection, Dear Life, are terser than her stories of a decade ago.

    Munro uses ordinary characters and events to explore the human condition with remarkable nuance.

    The collection is a testament to Munro's enduring talent and her ability to connect with readers on a profound level.

Mookse and Gripes · 2013-01-25
compelling 4.00

The reviewer appreciates Munro's exploration of childhood and the vibrancy of life in the face of decline. The stories are noted for their tight structure and emotional depth.

The reviewer delves into Munro's portrayal of childhood and the vibrancy of life amidst decline, finding these themes particularly compelling. They highlight Munro's ability to tighten the narrative structure, creating stories that are both emotionally resonant and tightly crafted. The reviewer appreciates the depth of Munro's exploration of life's complexities, noting how her stories capture the essence of human experiences with a keen eye for detail. The collection is seen as a powerful testament to Munro's skill as a storyteller, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

Quick quotes

    After this generous look at childhood, its innocence and vibrance in the face of decline, Munro tightens the story up (as she so often does).

    Munro's stories capture the essence of human experiences with a keen eye for detail.

    The collection is a powerful testament to Munro's skill as a storyteller.

The Guardian · 2012-11-08
insightful 4.50

The final four pieces offer a deeply personal insight into Munro's life and writing process, showcasing her unique ability to blend the autobiographical with the fictional. The stories are beautifully crafted, revealing Munro's mastery of the short story form.

The reviewer highlights the unique structure of Dear Life, particularly the final four autobiographical pieces that provide a glimpse into Munro's personal experiences and her development as a writer. These sections are praised for their beauty and insight, demonstrating Munro's skill in weaving personal narrative with fiction. The reviewer appreciates how Munro's writing captures the essence of life's moments, both ordinary and extraordinary, with a clarity and depth that is unmatched. The stories are seen as a testament to Munro's enduring talent and her ability to connect with readers on a profound level.

Quick quotes

    These four short autobiographical pieces are beautifully written and give some insight into Munro's formation as a writer.

    The uncanny doubling that occurs in Munro's stories is a testament to her skill.

    Munro's clarity of vision and her unparalleled gift for storytelling are evident throughout.

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