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A Special Providence

By Richard Yates
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3.89 goodreads logo

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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 Special Providence by Richard Yates explores the complicated relationship between a young soldier named Robert Prentice and his eccentric mother, Alice. Set against the backdrop of World War II and the post-war period, the book delves into themes of ambition, disillusionment, and the struggle for identity. Through a series of vivid character studies and poignant moments, it captures the emotional turmoil and personal battles faced by the protagonists.
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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're drawn to insightful portrayals of complex relationships and the burdens of family expectations. The narrative weaves through the lives of an aspiring artist and his mother, capturing their struggles and dreams with poignancy and depth, making it an engaging read for those who appreciate character-driven stories.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Bobby is eighteen and lost on the battlefields of Europe, stumbling his way through World War II.

Richard Yates's novel is both tender and ironic as he follows Bobby's adventures and disasters and reflects on the intense but complicated bond between mother and son.

A moving, ironic and often heart breaking exploration of post-war America by the author of Revolutionary Road

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 moving, ironic, and often heartbreaking exploration of post-war America by the author of Revolutionary Road.

Bobby is eighteen and lost on the battlefields of Europe, stumbling his way through World War II. He has not turned out to be the heroic soldier he imagined, and his experience of battle principally involves fear and confusion. Back home, his mother Alice puts all her hopes in her son and dreams of his return and starting a new life for them both.

Richard Yates's novel is both tender and ironic as he follows Bobby's adventures and disasters and reflects on the intense but complicated bond between mother and son.

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 Special Providence by Richard Yates is highly praised by notable authors and critics for its poignant storytelling and masterful portrayal of ordinary life. Joan Didion and Andre Dubus commend it as beautiful and wonderful, while Kurt Vonnegut acknowledges Yates's mastery. Critics from Harper's and other sources highlight the book's terrifying plausibility and skilful character sketches, adding depth to its dark themes.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780099518631

Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 March 2008

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Vintage Classics

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 238g

Pages: 336

Collections

Classic Fiction Classic General Fiction Fiction General Fiction Literary Fiction Penguin Books Richard Yates

About the Author

Richard Yates was born in 1926 in New York and lived in California. His prize-winning stories began to appear in 1953 and his first novel, Revolutionary Road, was nominated for the National Book Award in 1961. He is the author of eight other works, including the novels A Good School, The Easter Parade, and Disturbing the Peace, and two collections of short stories, Eleven Kinds of Loneliness and Liars in Love. He died in 1992.

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