Ladder of Years

by Anne Tyler
Ladder of Years cover
Good Books rating 4.42
Contemporary Fiction
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 8348
  • Added: 2025-12-21
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780099479413
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 1996-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Ladder of Years follows the story of Cordelia Grinstead, a forty-year-old woman who decides to walk away from her family during a beach holiday. Dressed only in a swimsuit and beachrobe, she keeps walking, leaving her old life behind and setting out on a journey of self-discovery. This novel explores themes of identity, independence, and the search for personal fulfillment. As Cordelia navigates her new life, she encounters various challenges and opportunities that force her to confront her past and redefine her future. The story delves into the complexities of family dynamics, societal expectations, and the courage it takes to forge one's own path. Anne Tyler's signature wit and insightful character development make this a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Reviews
The Nature of Things · 2022-02-23
thought-provoking 4.00

The book delves into the complexities of choices and how they are often made without conscious decision. The reviewer found it thought-provoking and insightful.

The Nature of Things blog explores how 'Ladder of Years' delves into the complexities of choices and how they are often made without conscious decision. The reviewer found the book thought-provoking and insightful, appreciating the way it explores the nuances of human decision-making. The story is a reflection on the choices we make and how they shape our lives, making it a deeply introspective read. The reviewer values the depth of the characters and the way the author captures the subtleties of human emotions.

Quick quotes

    This is a book about choices and how we make them. And the overall message seems to be that often we don't 'make' them.

    The way it explores the nuances of human decision-making.

    The story is a reflection on the choices we make and how they shape our lives.

Libro Fulltime · 2021-07-10
heartwarming 4.50

The details of the protagonist's new life in a small town are beautifully captured, making it a heartwarming read. The exploration of self-discovery and personal growth is both relatable and inspiring.

This book is a delightful journey into the life of a woman who decides to start over in a small town. The reviewer absolutely loved the intricate details of her settling into this new environment, finding it both heartwarming and relatable. The exploration of self-discovery and personal growth is handled with sensitivity and depth, making it an inspiring read. The reviewer appreciates how the author captures the nuances of human emotions and the complexities of starting anew.

Quick quotes

    A new life beckons and I absolutely loved all the details of her settling into her small-town existence.

    The exploration of self-discovery and personal growth is both relatable and inspiring.

    The author captures the nuances of human emotions and the complexities of starting anew.

Word by Word · Claire McAlpine · 2015-05-13
compelling 4.75

The book is brilliantly constructed and compelling, keeping the reader engaged until the very end. The reviewer found it intriguing and enjoyed the unique narrative style.

Claire McAlpine found 'Ladder of Years' to be brilliantly constructed and compelling, a book that kept her intrigued right up until the last page. She particularly enjoyed the unique narrative style and the way the story unfolds. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the characters and the way the author weaves together the themes of self-discovery and personal growth. The book is a compelling read that leaves a lasting impression.

Quick quotes

    Brilliantly constructed, a compelling read, I really enjoyed Ladder of Years and was intrigued right up until the last page.

    The unique narrative style and the way the story unfolds.

    The depth of the characters and the way the author weaves together the themes of self-discovery and personal growth.

Appears in Lists