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A God in Ruins

Costa Novel Award Winner 2015
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( 57,973 ratings, 7,035 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson follows the life of Teddy Todd, a World War II RAF pilot, as he navigates the decades following the war. The novel explores themes of duty, love, and sacrifice while offering a deeply moving portrait of an ordinary man living through extraordinary times.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate deeply emotional storytelling, complex character development, and narratives that explore the impacts of war on individuals and their families.

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A God in Ruins

A title that relates the life of Teddy Todd - would-be poet, heroic World War II bomber pilot, husband, father, and grandfather - as he navigates the perils and progress of the 20th century. It looks at war - that great fall of Man from grace - and the effect it has, not only on those who live through it, but on the lives of generations to come.

WINNER OF THE 2015 COSTA NOVEL AWARD AND BESTSELLING LITERARY PAPERBACK OF 2016- NOW INCLUDING AN EXCLUSIVE SAMPLE FROM KATE ATKINSON'S NEW NOVEL TRANSCRIPTION.

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 feedback is welcome! Description
A God in Ruins, by Kate Atkinson, is a masterful, genre-defying novel that captures the haunting aftermath of war and its enduring impact on those who lived through it and the generations that follow. The narrative intricately weaves through the twentieth century, presenting the life of Teddy Todd, a would-be poet, heroic World War II bomber pilot, and devoted family man. Teddy's journey through the decades reveals his resilience in the face of profound challenges, with his greatest obstacle being the future he never imagined he would have to navigate. This powerful and emotionally charged novel explores Teddy's poignant experiences, from the harrowing realities of war to the complexities of civilian life, love, and family. Atkinson’s storytelling is both deeply moving and often unexpectedly humorous, painting a vivid picture of a man shaped by extraordinary circumstances and the rippling effects his choices have on those around him. A God in Ruins is a stunning exploration of the human spirit's capacity for sacrifice and redemption. Atkinson delves into the profound themes of war's repercussions, the eternal impact on individuals and families, and the transformative power of fiction. Her exceptional prose and poignant characterisation shine throughout the narrative, marking her as one of the most distinguished novelists of contemporary literature. Winner of the 2015 Costa Novel Award and the bestselling literary paperback of 2016, A God in Ruins garnered critical acclaim for its intricate storytelling and emotional depth. As the Observer notes, 'Atkinson's finest work, and confirmation that her genre-defying writing continues to surprise and dazzle.' Daily Telegraph acclaims, 'A dazzling read...ends on one of the most devastating twists in recent fiction.' This edition includes an exclusive sample from Atkinson's subsequent novel, Transcription, offering a glimpse into her continued literary brilliance. Prepare to be captivated by a narrative that is as heart-wrenching as it is uplifting, a testament to the undying resilience of the human spirit and the boundless magic of storytelling.

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?

A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson is received as a triumphant and dazzling novel, with thrilling wartime set pieces and an incredible ability to invest ordinary events with grandeur. The book ends with one of the most devastating twists, adding overwhelming poignancy. It's seen as almost as innovative as Life After Life and has been praised for its convincing and moving narrative. It is regarded as one of Atkinson's best works, showcasing her marvellously delicate and varied artistry.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780552776646

Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 31 December 2015

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Black Swan

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 34.0mm

Width: 127.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 388g

Pages: 576

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About the Author

Kate Atkinson is one of the world's foremost novelists. Her most recent novel, Shrines of Gaiety, set in the aftermath of the First World War, is a Sunday Times bestseller. She won the Whitbread Book of the Year prize with her first novel, Behind the Scenes at the Museum. Her three critically lauded and prize-winning novels set around the Second World War are Life After Life, an acclaimed 2022 BBC TV series, A God in Ruins (both winners of the Costa Novel Award) and Transcription. Her bestselling literary crime novels featuring former detective Jackson Brodie, Case Histories, One Good Turn, When Will There Be Good News? and Started Early, Took My Dog, became a BBC television series starring Jason Isaacs. Jackson Brodie later returned in the novel Big Sky. Kate Atkinson was awarded an MBE in 2011 and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

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