Earthly Possessions

by Anne Tyler
Earthly Possessions cover
Good Books rating 3.75
Crime, Mystery, Thriller/Suspense
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Paperback • £9.99
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Technical
  • ID: 9369
  • Added: 2025-12-24
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780099463702
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 1997-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Charlotte Emory, a 35-year-old woman, finds herself on an unexpected journey to Florida with a man who has taken her hostage. As they travel together, she is forced to confront the emotional clutter and possessions that have burdened her life. This gripping narrative explores the complexities of human relationships and the weight of personal history. The story unfolds with tension and introspection, revealing the profound impact of Charlotte's experiences on her sense of self and her path forward.

Reviews
Sam Still Reading · 2024-02-22
refreshing 3.75

The novel opens with a bank robbery but quickly shifts to exploring family dynamics and dysfunctional relationships. It's a refreshing departure from Tyler's previous works.

This novel starts with an unexpected twist—a bank robbery—that sets the stage for a deeper exploration of family dynamics and dysfunctional relationships. It's a refreshing departure from Tyler's other books, offering a unique perspective on familiar themes. The story's focus on family and relationships makes it relatable and engaging, while the unexpected opening adds a layer of intrigue. It's a book that offers a fresh take on Tyler's signature themes, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    Earthly Possessions opens with a bank robbery but soon treads familiar territory about family and dysfunctional relationships.

    It's a refreshing departure from the 12 of her books I'd read previously.

    The story's focus on family and relationships makes it relatable and engaging.

Libro Fulltime · 2021-04-10
enjoyable 4.00

It's a short novel but a fun and very readable one. The ending is very characteristic of Anne Tyler's style, leaving readers with a sense of satisfaction.

Despite its brevity, this novel is packed with charm and readability. The ending, in particular, is very Tyler-esque, which means it's both satisfying and thought-provoking. The story's light-heartedness makes it an enjoyable read, while its deeper themes add a layer of complexity that keeps readers engaged. It's a book that's easy to pick up and hard to put down, making it a perfect choice for a quick yet meaningful read.

Quick quotes

    It's a short novel but a fun one and very readable.

    Do we agree with the ending? Well, it's very Tyler-esque, at very least.

    The story's light-heartedness makes it an enjoyable read.

746books.com · 2021-04-07
touching 3.50

The story is emotionally challenging, highlighting Charlotte's struggles to understand and be understood by her loved ones. It's a poignant exploration of human connections and misunderstandings.

This novel delves deep into the complexities of human relationships, particularly focusing on Charlotte's journey. The narrative is emotionally charged, making it a poignant read. It's a story that resonates with anyone who has ever felt misunderstood or struggled to connect with those closest to them. The book's strength lies in its ability to capture the essence of these struggles, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    At the heart of Earthly Possessions is a relatively painful story.

    Charlotte fails to understand fully and to be understood by those she loves.

    The narrative is emotionally charged, making it a poignant read.

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