Searching for Caleb

by Anne Tyler
Searching for Caleb cover
Good Books rating 4.33
Historical Fiction
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Paperback • £9.99
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  • ID: 9372
  • Added: 2025-12-24
  • Updated: 2025-12-30
  • ISBN: 9781446419038
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2012-04-10
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Anne Tyler's 'Searching For Caleb' is a deeply personal American historical epic that has captivated readers worldwide, with over 8 million books sold. The story revolves around Duncan Peck, a restless man always on the move, his wife Justine, a fortune teller with a forgotten past, and her grandfather Daniel, who longs to find the brother who disappeared in 1912. Their journeys lead them back to the family's deepest roots, where rebellion and acceptance intertwine in a haunting manner. The novel is praised for its ability to make the ordinary and small moments sing, showcasing Tyler's mastery of the human heart. /n/n Tyler's work has been celebrated by notable authors such as Rachel Joyce, Monica Ali, and Sebastian Faulks, who highlight her unique ability to transform everyday life into something extraordinary. The novel's exploration of family, memory, and the search for identity makes it a compelling read for those interested in historical fiction and the intricacies of human relationships.

Reviews
Libro Fulltime · 2021-03-20
entertaining 4.50

The book is very entertaining with likeable characters. It's always easier when you like the people in the book!

The reviewer found the book to be very entertaining and enjoyed the characters, which made the story more engaging. They appreciated the quirky and endearing nature of the characters, which added to the overall enjoyment of the read. The story's focus on family dynamics and the search for Caleb provided a compelling narrative that kept the reviewer engaged throughout.

Quick quotes

    I really enjoyed this book.

    Very entertaining with likeable characters.

    It's always easier when you like the people in the book!

Changing Pages · 2016-06-16
insightful 4.00

The story is about family, focusing on the slightly eccentric and self-absorbed Peck family. The Pecks' pride and quirks are highlighted throughout the narrative.

The reviewer appreciated the focus on family dynamics and the eccentricities of the Peck family. They found the characters' quirks and self-absorption to be both amusing and insightful, providing a unique perspective on family relationships. The story's exploration of the Pecks' pride and their search for Caleb added depth to the narrative, making it a compelling read.

Quick quotes

    As with all Tyler's stories this is about family.

    The slightly eccentric and self absorbed Peck family in this instance.

    The Pecks pride and quirks are highlighted throughout the narrative.

The New York Times · 1975-01-03
witty 4.50

The book is Tyler's sunniest and most expansive, with a fine, sharp wit that highlights the narrow-mindedness and pettishness of the Pecks.

The reviewer found the book to be Tyler's sunniest and most expansive work, appreciating her sharp wit and the way she portrays the narrow-mindedness and pettishness of the Peck family. They enjoyed the story's exploration of family dynamics and the search for Caleb, which added depth and humor to the narrative. The reviewer also noted the book's ability to evoke a sense of warmth and humor, making it a delightful read.

Quick quotes

    "Searching for Caleb" is Tyler's sunniest, most expansive book.

    While etching with a fine, sharp wit the narrow-mindedness and pettishness of the Pecks.

    Tyler's ability to evoke a sense of warmth and humor.

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