The Amateur Marriage

by Anne Tyler
The Amateur Marriage cover
Good Books rating 4.17
Literary Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 9364
  • Added: 2025-12-24
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781407020631
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2009-10-13
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Anne Tyler's 'The Amateur Marriage' is a poignant exploration of a relationship that begins with passion and promise but unravels over the decades. From the bustling grocery store in Baltimore to the counter-culture of the 1960s, the story captures the evolution of Michael and Pauline's marriage, revealing the consequences of their mismatched union. The novel is a testament to Tyler's ability to find beauty in the ordinary and to illuminate the secrets of the human heart. With over 8 million books sold worldwide, Tyler's work is celebrated for its masterful storytelling and deep psychological insight.

Reviews
Bookish Beck · Beck · 2021-08-21
insightful 4.00

The novel uniquely bridges historical fiction and contemporary commentary, showcasing Tyler's signature depth. It explores the complexities of a mismatched marriage with insight and nuance.

This book stands out in Anne Tyler's collection for its blend of historical fiction and contemporary themes. The reviewer appreciates how Tyler delves into the intricacies of a troubled marriage, highlighting the emotional depth and relatability of the characters. The narrative's unique structure and Tyler's characteristic insight make it a compelling read. The reviewer also notes the novel's exploration of family dynamics and the enduring impact of personal choices, which adds layers of richness to the story.

Quick quotes

    The Amateur Marriage feels unique in Tyler's oeuvre for how it bridges historical fiction and her more typical contemporary commentary.

    Tyler's signature depth is evident in the exploration of the characters' lives and relationships.

    The novel's unique structure and insightful narrative make it a compelling read.

Girl with her Head in a Book · Girl with her Head in a Book · 2017-02-10
engaging 4.50

The novel weaves a family saga with great depth, achieving a remarkable balance in a relatively short work. The characters are richly developed, and the narrative is engaging.

The reviewer praises the novel for its deep exploration of family dynamics and the complexities of marriage. Despite its relatively short length, the book manages to pack a lot of depth and emotional resonance. The characters are well-developed, and their interactions are both believable and engaging. The reviewer also appreciates the novel's ability to span generations and explore the long-term consequences of personal choices. Overall, it's a well-crafted and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    The Amateur Marriage weaves together a family saga with great depth, a real achievement in a comparatively short novel.

    The characters are richly developed, and the narrative is engaging.

    The novel's ability to span generations and explore the long-term consequences of personal choices is particularly noteworthy.

Mumsnet · 2012-05-25
moving 4.00

The novel has a moving ending that creeps up on the reader, typical of Anne Tyler's style. The emotional depth and relatability of the characters make it a standout.

The reviewer highlights the novel's emotional depth and the way it gradually builds to a moving conclusion. They appreciate Tyler's ability to create relatable characters and explore the complexities of human relationships. The reviewer also notes that the novel's emotional impact is subtle but powerful, making it a memorable read. The discussion on Mumsnet suggests that the book resonates with a wide range of readers, particularly those who enjoy Tyler's signature style of storytelling.

Quick quotes

    Really moving ending. Typical Anne Tyler. The emotion just creeps up on you.

    The book resonates with a wide range of readers, particularly those who enjoy Tyler's signature style of storytelling.

    The emotional depth and relatability of the characters make it a standout.

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