The Mountain Lion
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1992
232
Novel • Fiction
Colorado • 1940s
1992
Adult
18+ years
The Mountain Lion by Jean Stafford follows Molly and Ralph, siblings who spend a transformative summer at their uncle's ranch in California. The novel explores themes of childhood, family dynamics, and societal expectations as the siblings navigate their relationship, personal growth, and the natural world around them.
Mysterious
Melancholic
Contemplative
Gritty
1,367 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Jean Stafford's The Mountain Lion is praised for its sharp prose and vivid portrayal of a brother-sister dynamic set against a stark Western landscape. Reviews commend its exploration of childhood and societal norms. However, some critics find the character development uneven and the narrative bleak. Overall, it's a compelling, if somber, read.
Readers who appreciate complex character studies and coming-of-age narratives will enjoy Jean Stafford's The Mountain Lion. Fans of John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath or Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird will find similar depth in family dynamics and exploration of innocence and experience.
1,367 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
232
Novel • Fiction
Colorado • 1940s
1992
Adult
18+ years
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