Half-Truths and Semi-Miracles

by Anne Tyler
Half-Truths and Semi-Miracles cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 9360
  • Added: 2025-12-24
  • Updated: 2025-12-24
  • ISBN: 9781473563483
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2018-05-31
  • Reviews: 3

Susanna's extraordinary ability to heal ailments with a touch draws people from far and wide, but her power is inconsistent, making it a semi-miracle. As she transitions into adulthood, her gift becomes more of a burden than a blessing, leaving her questioning why her abilities work sometimes and not others. The story explores her journey to understand and accept the enigmatic nature of her power./n/nThis wry and moving tale, available to readers for the first time since its initial publication, delves into Susanna's internal struggle. As she seeks to build a life of her own, she grapples with the weight of her calling and the limitations of her gift. The narrative is a poignant exploration of faith, burden, and the complexities of living with an extraordinary yet unpredictable ability.

Reviews
Good Housekeeping Book Room · 2023-05-10
good 4.00

The interconnected stories kept the reader engaged and eager to discover how the characters are linked. It was a compelling read.

This reviewer was captivated by how the stories are interwoven, creating a sense of intrigue and connection between the characters. They found themselves turning the pages to uncover the relationships and see how everything ties together. The emotional depth and the way the narrative unfolds made it a compelling and enjoyable read. They appreciated the way Tyler brings the characters to life and makes the reader invest in their journeys.

Quick quotes

    I loved how all the stories are linked together and it kept me wanting to turn the pages to see how the characters were connected and how.

    The emotional depth and the way the narrative unfolds made it a compelling and enjoyable read.

    Tyler brings the characters to life and makes the reader invest in their journeys.

Jennifer Tar Heel Reader · Jennifer · 2018-05-27
great 4.50

The story is a must-read for Anne Tyler fans and a great introduction for those unfamiliar with her work. It showcases her unique narrative style.

Jennifer is a big fan of Anne Tyler and this story did not disappoint. They loved the way Tyler weaves her magic into the narrative, creating a story that is both wry and moving. They believe this short story is a perfect example of Tyler's mastery and think it will appeal to both her dedicated readers and those who are new to her work. The reviewer also appreciated the emotional resonance and the way Tyler explores the complexities of human nature.

Quick quotes

    Anne Tyler's touch is present throughout this short story.

    If you are a fan, this is a must-read.

    If you aren't a fan, I think you'll become one after reading this.

It's Either Sadness or Euphoria · 2018-05-23
mixed 3.50

The story is poignant and compelling, with a memorable character. However, it feels thin and lacks depth in certain areas.

This reviewer found the story to be deeply moving and engaging, particularly because of the well-crafted main character. They appreciated the emotional depth and the way the narrative tugs at the heartstrings. However, they also felt that the story could have been more substantial, with some plot points feeling underdeveloped. Despite this, they believe Anne Tyler's signature touch is evident throughout, making it a worthwhile read for her fans and potentially new readers as well.

Quick quotes

    Half-Truths and Semi-Miracles is poignant and compelling, and once again, Tyler has created a memorable character.

    However, the story was so thin and lacked the depth that I usually expect from Tyler's work.

    Anne Tyler's touch is present throughout this short story.

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