Runaway

by Alice Munro
Runaway cover
Good Books rating 3.88
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 715
  • Added: 2025-09-19
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780099472254
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2006-01-01
  • Formats: 48
  • Reviews: 4

Runaway presents three interconnected stories that weave together to form a compelling narrative about Juliet, a woman who breaks free from her monotonous life as a teacher at a girls' school. Her journey takes her into a world of intense and passionate love, where she experiences both the heights of ecstasy and the depths of betrayal. This work delves into the intricate dynamics of relationships, the pain of lost opportunities, and the enduring power of love. The stories are richly layered, offering a profound exploration of human emotions and the consequences of our choices. Through Juliet's experiences, the book examines the universal themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels unpredictable and harsh.

Reviews
The Literary Review · Elaine Showalter · 2025-09-19
mixed 3.00

The second half of the book is less intense and more cerebral, with stories that feel cold and self-reflexive. The final story, 'Powers', stands out as a notable exception.

Elaine Showalter notes that the second half of the book shifts in tone, becoming more cerebral and self-reflexive, which she finds less engaging. She describes these stories as cold, lacking the emotional depth of the first half. However, she singles out the final story, 'Powers', as a highlight, suggesting it has a unique quality that sets it apart from the rest. Showalter's overall impression is mixed, appreciating some elements while finding others lacking in emotional resonance.

Quick quotes

    Unexpectedly, the second half of the book is much less intense.

    Its four stories are cerebral and self-reflexive, but rather cold.

    The final story, 'Powers', ...

What Cathy Read Next · 2017-02-27
rapturous 4.50

The collection is praised for its extraordinary stories about love and its infinite betrayals and surprises. The stories are rapturously acclaimed and deeply moving.

This reviewer is highly enthusiastic about the collection, describing it as extraordinary and deeply moving. They highlight Munro's ability to explore the complexities of love, with all its betrayals and surprises. The stories are celebrated for their emotional depth and the way they capture the intricacies of human relationships. The reviewer finds the collection to be rapturously acclaimed and believes it showcases Munro's mastery of storytelling. They are particularly impressed by the way Munro delves into the nuances of love and its impact on people's lives.

Quick quotes

    Alice Munro's bestselling and rapturously acclaimed Runaway is a book of extraordinary stories about love and its infinite betrayals and surprises.

    The stories are celebrated for their emotional depth and the way they capture the intricacies of human relationships.

    The reviewer finds the collection to be rapturously acclaimed and believes it showcases Munro's mastery of storytelling.

The Eyrie · 2008-01-17
thought-provoking 4.00

The collection is thought-provoking and often sad, offering transient glimpses into a deeper, more satisfying world. The stories are wistful and contemplative, leaving a lasting impression.

This reviewer found the collection to be deeply moving and introspective. They appreciated the way Munro captures fleeting moments that hint at a richer, more complex world beneath the surface. The stories are not uplifting but rather evoke a sense of wistfulness and contemplation. The reviewer highlights the emotional depth and the subtle, poignant moments that make the collection memorable. They admire Munro's ability to convey complex emotions and human experiences with such precision and grace.

Quick quotes

    This isn't an uplifting collection.

    It's thought-provoking, often sad, and predominately wistful, like transient glimpses of a deeper satisfying world.

    The stories are not uplifting but rather evoke a sense of wistfulness and contemplation.

The Guardian · 2005-02-04
masterful 4.00

The collection is praised for its masterful impersonation and uncanny insight into the minds of its characters. The historical context adds depth to the stories.

The reviewer from The Guardian lauds 'Runaway' for its masterful impersonation and uncanny ability to inhabit the minds of its characters. The stories are noted for their historical depth, which adds layers to the narrative. The reviewer appreciates Munro's skill in creating distinct and vivid characters, making the collection a standout. The emotional and intellectual depth of the stories is highlighted, showing Munro's prowess in storytelling.

Quick quotes

    It is a little masterpiece of impersonation, an uncanny inhabiting of the mind of a meddling, egotistical girl and of a distinct historical period.

    The surface theme of running away is repeated throughout.

    All of the stories are lucid and vivid, but not all of the characters are likeable.

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