56 pages 1 hour read

Ray Bradbury

Dandelion Wine

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1957

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Dandelion Wine chronicles the summer of 12-year-old Douglas Spaulding in Green Town, Illinois, capturing the magic and growth of childhood through a series of interconnected vignettes. These nostalgic stories encompass a range of genres, including fantasy and magical realism, as Douglas experiences the wonders and mysteries of growing up. The book contains references to spanking as punishment and uses outdated language regarding African Americans.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury is lauded for its evocative prose and vivid portrayal of 1928 summer life, invoking nostalgia and the simple pleasures of childhood. Critics appreciate its heartfelt and poetic narrative but note that the episodic structure and sentimental tone may deter some readers. Overall, it's celebrated for its imaginative and reflective quality.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Dandelion Wine?

Fans of Ray Bradbury’s Dandelion Wine will likely appreciate its nostalgic and poetic exploration of childhood and summer in a small town. Readers of Mark Twain’s The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird will find similar themes of innocence, wonder, and communal life.

RecommendedReading Age

12-18years

Book Details

Genre

Classic Fiction

Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction

Coming of Age / Bildungsroman

Themes

Relationships: Family

Self Discovery

Life/Time: Coming of Age