The Accidental Tourist

by Anne Tyler
The Accidental Tourist cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Comedy/Humor
Buy online
Bookshop
Format • £9.49
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 8345
  • Added: 2025-12-21
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780425092910
  • Publisher: Berkley
  • Published: 1985-01-01
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

Macon Leary is a travel writer with an unusual aversion to travel and a deep-seated preference for the familiar. His life is a carefully constructed routine, filled with the comforts of home and the predictability of his own company. However, his world is turned upside down when he meets Muriel, a dog obedience trainer with a fuzzy hair and an unconventional approach to life. Muriel's unconventional methods and her own unique brand of chaos begin to disrupt Macon's carefully ordered existence, leading him on a journey of self-discovery and unexpected adventure. As Macon navigates the challenges and surprises that come with Muriel's presence, he begins to question the choices he has made and the life he has built. Through a series of humorous and heartwarming encounters, Macon learns to embrace the unexpected and find joy in the unpredictability of life. The Accidental Tourist is a story about the transformative power of love, the importance of stepping out of one's comfort zone, and the unexpected adventures that can arise from the most unlikely of places.

Reviews
Libro Fulltime · 2021-05-20
enjoyable 4.00

The book is both funny and moving, with a darker undertone that adds depth. The protagonist's routines are both humorous and revealing.

This book is a delightful blend of humor and pathos. The protagonist's compulsive routines are both amusing and insightful, offering a window into his psyche. The darker undertones add a layer of complexity, making it a more nuanced read than one might expect. The characters are well-developed, and the story arcs are easy to follow, making it a compelling read from start to finish. The humor is subtle yet effective, and the emotional depth is palpable, making it a book that stays with you long after you've turned the last page.

Quick quotes

    A comic book that's also moving, a book with a dark heart that shadows it, darker than Tyler will, I think, go for a good while yet.

    The main character, Macon, is so compulsive and deranged.

    Anne Tyler is so easy to read. Her characters feel immediately well-developed; her stories have easy to follow arcs; and, her writing is a good mix of humor and tragedy.

The Independent · 2011-08-19
insightful 4.25

The novel masterfully combines comedy and tragedy without veering into farce or sentimentality. It's a poignant exploration of love and healing.

This novel is a masterclass in balancing comedy and tragedy. The author deftly navigates the fine line between humor and pathos, creating a story that is both laugh-out-loud funny and deeply moving. The characters are richly drawn, and their journeys are both relatable and profound. The exploration of love and healing is particularly poignant, offering a fresh perspective on what love can truly mean. The narrative is engaging and thought-provoking, making it a book that resonates on multiple levels.

Quick quotes

    Like all Tyler's novels, 'The Accidental Tourist' combines comedy and tragedy without veering into farce or sentimentality.

    It is also, even after multiple readings, extremely funny.

    Essentially this is a love story but one which offers a surprising view of what love may be.

The New York Times · 1985-09-08
brilliant 4.50

The book is one of Anne Tyler's best, comparable to her other notable works. It's a compelling exploration of human nature and relationships.

This book is a standout in Anne Tyler's repertoire, ranking among her best works. The narrative is rich with insights into human nature and relationships, offering a nuanced portrayal of its characters. The story is both engaging and thought-provoking, with a depth that invites multiple readings. The author's signature style shines through, making it a compelling read that lingers in the mind long after the final page. The exploration of love, loss, and healing is particularly poignant, offering a fresh perspective on the human condition.

Quick quotes

    'The Accidental Tourist' is one of Anne Tyler's best books, as good as 'Morgan's Passing,' 'Searching for Caleb,' 'Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant.'

    Anne Tyler is so easy to read. Her characters feel immediately well-developed; her stories have easy to follow arcs; and, her writing is a good mix of humor and tragedy.

    It is also, even after multiple readings, extremely funny.

Appears in Lists