Dream State

by Eric Puchner
Dream State cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Contemporary Fiction
Technical
  • ID: 3890
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9780385550673
  • Publisher: Doubleday
  • Published: 2025-02-18
  • Reviews: 3

Dream State is a deeply moving novel that delves into the complexities of relationships, the legacy of past mistakes, and the beauty of impermanence. Cece, a young woman planning her wedding, finds herself drawn to her fiancé's best friend, Garrett, as she uncovers layers of their shared history. The story spans fifty years, revealing how the choices of one generation ripple into the next, all while capturing the essence of the American West. /n/n Written with humor and precision, this novel is both a love letter and an elegy to the region, exploring themes of friendship, marriage, and the enduring impact of our actions. As the characters navigate love, loss, and the passage of time, they discover the power of starting anew.

Reviews
The New York Times · 2025-09-01
disappointing 2.00

The reviewer finds the book predictable and lacking in originality, noting that it follows a familiar pattern without much variation or revelation.

The reviewer is critical of the book's predictable plot, stating that it follows a familiar pattern of 'everything bad has gotten worse' without offering much in the way of variation or revelation. They find the disappearance of a familiar predator to be a missed opportunity for deeper exploration. While they acknowledge the book's attempt to tackle complex themes, they feel it falls short in execution, making it a somewhat disappointing read.

Quick quotes

    It falls into the predictable pattern of 'everything bad has gotten worse' with little variation or revelation.

    A familiar predator disappears, but the narrative doesn't delve deeply into the implications.

    The book's attempt to tackle complex themes is commendable, but it ultimately falls short in execution.

The Guardian · 2025-05-05
engrossing 4.00

The reviewer praises the book's panoramic tale of family ties, highlighting its epic and multifaceted narrative. They appreciate the depth and complexity of the story, which spans generations.

The reviewer is captivated by the book's sweeping narrative that delves into the intricacies of family dynamics across generations. They find the love triangle and the exploration of paradise lost particularly compelling, noting the book's ability to weave together various themes seamlessly. The reviewer also appreciates the rich, descriptive language that brings the story to life, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    A love triangle plays out across generations in this brilliantly panoramic tale of family ties.

    The novel's exploration of paradise lost is both poignant and thought-provoking.

    Puchner's writing is evocative, drawing readers into a world that feels both familiar and profoundly complex.

Reading Writing and Me · 2025-02-10
excellent 4.50

The reviewer highlights the book's strong characters, noting that they make the story truly shine. They appreciate the book's adherence to the literary fiction genre and its emotional depth.

The reviewer is particularly impressed by the characters in the book, which they believe elevate the narrative to new heights. They find Phoebe, the lost and lonely professor, to be a standout character who adds emotional depth to the story. The reviewer also praises the book's adherence to the literary fiction genre, noting its rich, descriptive prose and complex themes. Overall, they feel the book is a standout in contemporary literary fiction.

Quick quotes

    This book sings because of its characters, true to the literary fiction genre.

    Phoebe is a lost, lonely professor at the heart of the story, making her a compelling figure.

    The emotional depth and complexity of the characters make this book a standout read.

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