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Private Life
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Private Life
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See moreA stunning novel which traverses the intimate landscape of one woman's life from the 1880s to World War II.
Private Life by Jane Smiley is a stunning novel which traverses the intimate landscape of one woman's life from the 1880s to World War Two.
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
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Description
Margaret Mayfield is nearly an old maid at twenty-seven when she marries Captain Andrew Jackson Jefferson Early. He's the most famous man their Missouri town has ever produced: a naval officer and an astronomer—a genius who, according to the local paper, has changed the universe. Margaret's mother calls the match a piece of luck.
Yet Andrew confounds Margaret's expectations from the moment their train leaves for his naval base in San Francisco, and soon she realises that his devotion to science leaves little room for anything, or anyone, else. She stands by him through tragedies both personal and those they share with the nation. But as World War II approaches, Andrew's obsessions take a darker turn, forcing Margaret to reconsider the life she'd so carefully constructed.
Private Life by Jane Smiley explores the complexities of marriage, the sacrifices made in the name of love, and the unyielding quest for identity against the backdrop of turbulent times.
Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?
Private Life by Jane Smiley receives praise for its precise and compelling depiction of a woman's life, with many considering it one of Smiley's best works. Reviewers highlight the novel's powerful and heartbreaking narrative, as well as its intricate historical context and intimate details. The book is commended for its deft blending of personal and historical elements, providing a rich and memorable reading experience.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780571258758
Publisher: Faber & Faber
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 03 March 2011
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Faber & Faber
Edition: Main
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 31.0mm
Width: 126.0mm
Height: 198.0mm
Weight: 387g
Pages: 496
Collections
About the Author
Jane Smiley is the author of eleven novels, as well as four works of nonfiction. She is the recipient of a Pulitzer Prize and was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2001. She lives in Northern California.
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