If Morning Ever Comes

If Morning Ever Comes cover
Good Books rating 4.23
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Technical
  • ID: 9370
  • Added: 2025-12-24
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9780099539100
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 1991-01-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Ben Joe, a law student, is abruptly pulled back to his family home after learning that one of his six sisters, Joanne, has returned with her baby, having left her husband. This event triggers a flood of memories, including the death of his father and his first girlfriend, forcing him to confront his past. The narrative delves into the complexities of family dynamics and personal history, revealing the layers of Ben Joe's life and the impact of his family's secrets. The story is a poignant exploration of memory, loss, and the enduring bonds of family, set against the backdrop of a young man's journey towards self-discovery.

Reviews
The New York Times · 2025-12-24
complex 4.20

The novel is more complex than it initially appears, exploring themes of old age, love, and emotional crisis. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the story.

The reviewer notes that the novel is more complex than it seems at first glance. They highlight the exploration of themes such as old age, love, and emotional crisis, which add depth to the story. The reviewer appreciates the novel's ability to delve into the complexities of human relationships and emotions, making it a thought-provoking read. The reviewer also notes that the novel's modest style and gentle protagonist contribute to its overall appeal, creating a sense of ease and familiarity that draws the reader in.


Quick quotes

    "If Morning Ever Comes" is a more complex novel than it seems at first.

    In addition to being about Ben Joe's emotional crisis, it is also about old age, love, and the complexities of family dynamics.

    A modest style, a gentle, bumbling protagonist, and family events in a low key, lend this novel a deceptive aura of ease.

Heavenali · 2021-01-14
great 4.50

The novel is praised for its trademark quiet families and deep observation. The reviewer enjoyed the story and found it to be a great read.

The reviewer highlights Anne Tyler's signature style of quiet families and deep observation in this novel. They found the story to be engaging and well-crafted, with a focus on the intricacies of family dynamics and personal relationships. The reviewer also appreciated the novel's ability to evoke a sense of place and atmosphere, making it a memorable read. Overall, the novel is seen as a great addition to Tyler's body of work, showcasing her talent for character development and storytelling.


Quick quotes

    A great review and I'm glad you enjoyed it as much as I did.

    It certainly contains her trademark quiet families and deep observation.

    There is a lovely sense of place and that slow feeling of nostalgia.

Libro Fulltime · 2021-01-10
enjoyable 4.00

The novel is enjoyed for its quiet and reflective nature, though it took some time to get into. The story's gentle pace and depth are appreciated.

The reviewer found the novel to be a slow burn but ultimately enjoyable. They appreciated the quiet and reflective nature of the story, which allowed for deep observation of the characters and their relationships. The gentle pace of the novel was seen as a strength, providing a sense of calm and introspection. The reviewer also noted that the novel's themes of family and personal growth were well-explored, making it a satisfying read overall.


Quick quotes

    I really enjoyed this novel and have just finished it.

    It took me a while to get going with it, but I enjoyed the quietness of it very much.

    I enjoyed the quietness of it very much.

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