45 pages • 1 hour read •
The Corrections
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Book Brief
653
Novel • Fiction
St. Jude, Midwest • 1990s
2001
Fourth Estate
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen follows the Lambert family, a dysfunctional Midwestern group led by aging parents Alfred and Enid. Their three children—Gary, Chip, and Denise—navigate personal struggles and conflicts while dealing with their father's declining health. Spanning various times and locations, the novel explores themes of family, identity, and societal expectations. The book includes instances of depression, dementia, financial deceit, and extramarital affairs.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Emotional
Gritty
Reviews & Readership
193,350 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Jonathan Franzen's The Corrections has been praised for its intricate character development and insightful depiction of family dynamics, resonating with many readers. Critics highlight its deep emotional engagement and the intricate weaving of multiple storylines. However, some have criticized its length and occasional digressions, finding parts of the narrative bloated. Overall, it's a compelling but polarizing read.
Who Should Read The Corrections?
A reader who enjoys richly detailed family sagas with complex characters and dark humor would find The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen compelling. Fans of novels like Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides and The Marriage Plot by Eugenides or Freedom by Franzen will likely appreciate its depth and narrative style.
193,350 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Enid Lambert
Enid Lambert
The mother and primary caregiver of the Lambert family, who often experiences loneliness and frustration. Her optimistic and emotional nature contrasts with her husband's remoteness.
Chip Lambert
Chip Lambert
The middle child of the Lambert family, regarded as the black sheep due to his East Coast influences and elusive lifestyle. He struggles with facing his family and indulges in escapism.
Gary Lambert
Gary Lambert
The oldest Lambert child, who mirrors his parents' conventional lifestyle as a married father and bank vice president. He often uses his conventionality as a protective shield.
Denise Lambert
Denise Lambert
The successful youngest child of the Lambert family, marked by her uncertainty and playfulness. She navigates life with a fluid identity, excelling in her professional sphere.
The Corrections won the National Book Award for Fiction in 2001 and was also a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2002.
The novel was adapted into an unproduced pilot for HBO, which was slated to be directed by Noah Baumbach and star notable actors such as Ewan McGregor and Maggie Gyllenhaal.
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Jonathan Franzen famously declined an offer to have The Corrections selected for Oprah's Book Club, expressing concerns about how being on the list might affect the novel's perceived literary status.
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653
Novel • Fiction
St. Jude, Midwest • 1990s
2001
Fourth Estate
Adult
18+ years
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