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Stern Men

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( 7,701 ratings, 863 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
Stern Men by Elizabeth Gilbert is a sharp and witty novel set on two remote islands off the coast of Maine, steeped in a century-long lobster fishing rivalry. The story revolves around Ruth Thomas, a smart and feisty young woman, who finds herself caught between the traditions of her island community and her own ambitions. Through Ruth's journey, the novel explores humour, family dynamics, and the complexities of island life.
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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 stories set in unique coastal environments with a cast of intriguing characters. It offers a humorous and insightful look at the life of a young woman navigating her role in a fierce lobstering community. Great for those who love well-crafted narratives filled with wit and heart.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The debut novel from the bestselling author of Eat, Pray, Love

Eat, Pray, Love has sold over 40,000 copies in the UK (BookScan), five million copies in the US and been on the New York Times bestseller list for a year. In 2009, we are publishing Gilbert's The Last American Man for the first time in the UK and are publishing a new edition of her first short story collection, Pilgrims. For fans of The Girls' Guide to Hunting and Fishing, Annie Proulx and John Irving

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
Stern Men' was described by USA Today as 'a wonderful first novel about life, love and lobster fishing', and it is indeed high entertainment. It is also hailed as 'howlingly funny' by San Francisco Chronicle, 'an impressive achievement' by Observer, and as 'a mix of Annie Proulx and John Irving ... memorable and enjoyable' by The Times.

On two remote islands off the coast of Maine, the local lobstermen have fought savagely for generations over the fishing rights to the ocean waters between them.

Young Ruth Thomas is born into this feud, the daughter of one of the greediest lobstermen in Maine. Eighteen years old, as smart as a whip, and irredeemably unromantic, Ruth returns home from boarding school determined to throw her education overboard and join the ‘stern-men’.

As the feud escalates, she helps work the lobster boats, brushes up on her profanity, and eventually falls for a handsome young lobsterman. A funny, sparkling novel of unlikely friendships and family ties, Stern Men captures a feisty American spirit through this unforgettable heroine who is destined for greatness despite herself.

Stern Men was a New York Times Notable Book.

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?

Elizabeth Gilbert's Stern Men has been praised for its engaging and comedic portrayal of life, love, and lobster fishing. Reviewers have highlighted the novel as both highly entertaining and impressively crafted. It has drawn comparisons to the works of Annie Proulx and John Irving, noted for its memorable and enjoyable narrative.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780747598244

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 02 March 2009

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 19.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 246g

Pages: 304

About the Author

Elizabeth Gilbert is the author of a short story collection, Pilgrims (a finalist for the Pen/Hemmingway Award) and a book of non fiction, The Last American Man (nominated for the National Book Award and a New York Times Notable Book for 2002). She is a writer-at-large for American GQ where she has received two National Magazine Award nominations for feature writing. Her most recent book, Eat, Pray, Love is an international bestseller. Elizabeth Gilbert lives in New Jersey.

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