Digging to America

by Anne Tyler
Digging to America cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Contemporary Fiction
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Paperback • £10.99
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  • ID: 9363
  • Added: 2025-12-24
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781407019604
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2008-12-02
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Digging to America follows the lives of two Baltimore families who each adopt a Korean baby on the same day. The book explores the complexities of cultural identity, family dynamics, and the American immigrant experience through the lens of these two families and their annual 'Arrival Day' celebrations. As the girls, Susan and Jin-ho, grow up, the families' relationships evolve, revealing the subtle and not-so-subtle ways in which they both embrace and struggle with their newfound connections. Anne Tyler, a beloved author with over 8 million books sold worldwide, masterfully weaves a story that resonates with universal themes of love, belonging, and the search for meaning in everyday life. /n/n The novel is a testament to Tyler's ability to find the extraordinary in the ordinary, as she delves into the hearts and minds of her characters, exposing their hopes, fears, and the intricate tapestry of their relationships. Through her signature blend of humor, warmth, and insight, Tyler invites readers to reflect on their own lives and the often hidden threads that connect us all. The story is a poignant exploration of what it means to be a family, to belong, and to navigate the complexities of cultural identity in a changing world.

Reviews
Libro Fulltime · 2021-09-10
delightful 4.50

The novel is praised for its diversity and subtle character development, making it an outstanding and enjoyable read. The reviewer particularly appreciates the unique blend of characters and the nuanced storytelling.

In this review, the author of Libro Fulltime highlights the outstanding qualities of 'Digging to America,' particularly its diversity and the subtle use of characters. The story is engaging and thought-provoking, offering a fresh perspective on family dynamics and cultural assimilation. The reviewer enjoys the way Tyler weaves together different narratives and characters, creating a rich tapestry of human experiences. The novel is both entertaining and insightful, making it a standout in Tyler's body of work. The reviewer finds the book to be a delightful and meaningful exploration of the complexities of modern life.

Quick quotes

    This one was certainly an outstanding novel and one I thoroughly enjoyed.

    I loved the diversity of it and the subtler use of those kinds of characters.

    The story is engaging and thought-provoking, offering a fresh perspective on family dynamics and cultural assimilation.

Andrew Blackman's Blog · Andrew Blackman · 2021-08-16
heartwarming 4.00

The story explores the complexities of family dynamics and cultural assimilation, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of parenting and aging. The narrative is both poignant and insightful, offering a deep dive into the human experience.

Andrew Blackman's review of 'Digging to America' delves into the intricate relationships between two families, one American and one immigrant, as they navigate the challenges of parenting and cultural assimilation. The story is rich with emotional depth and subtle humor, making it a compelling read. Blackman appreciates Tyler's ability to capture the nuances of family life and the universal themes of love, loss, and identity. The characters are well-developed, and their journeys are both relatable and thought-provoking. The reviewer finds the book to be a heartwarming and insightful exploration of the American experience.

Quick quotes

    A story of two intertwined families and how they shape each other while struggling with the problems of parenting and assimilation, illness and ageing.

    The narrative is both poignant and insightful, offering a deep dive into the human experience.

    Tyler's ability to capture the nuances of family life and the universal themes of love, loss, and identity.

The New York Times · Adam Schillinger · 2006-05-21
compelling 4.25

The book is noted for its undramatic fatalism, which is both haunting and reassuring. The reviewer appreciates Tyler's unique perspective on American life and her ability to capture the essence of family dynamics.

Adam Schillinger's review in The New York Times highlights Anne Tyler's distinctive style and her ability to portray the complexities of American life. The novel is praised for its undramatic fatalism, which adds a layer of depth and realism to the story. Schillinger appreciates Tyler's keen observation of family dynamics and her subtle exploration of cultural assimilation. The characters are well-crafted, and their interactions are both relatable and insightful. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of the American experience, making it a standout in Tyler's literary career.

Quick quotes

    There can hardly be a more American 20th-century writer than Anne Tyler.

    Tyler's curiously undramatic fatalism is both haunting and reassuring.

    The novel is praised for its undramatic fatalism, which adds a layer of depth and realism to the story.

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