44 pages 1 hour read

Yiyun Li

The Book of Goose

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2022

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Book of Goose by Yiyun Li follows Agnès, a French woman living in America, who begins writing about her childhood in post-WWII France after learning of her friend Fabienne's death. Together, they authored a book in their youth, leading to Agnès's fleeting fame. The novel delves into themes of female friendship, the scars of war, and the complexities of memory and storytelling.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Yiyun Li's The Book of Goose receives acclaim for its lyrical prose and deep exploration of friendship and artistic ambition. Readers praise the complex characters and emotional depth, though some find the pacing uneven. Balancing beauty and melancholy, the novel is seen as a poignant, if occasionally challenging, read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Book of Goose?

Readers who treasure profound friendships, intricate coming-of-age tales, and evocative prose will find Yiyun Li's The Book of Goose captivating. Fans of Elena Ferrante's My Brilliant Friend and Jhumpa Lahiri's The Namesake will appreciate Li's nuanced exploration of identity, loyalty, and the complexities of personal growth.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Historical Fiction

Coming of Age / Bildungsroman

Themes

Relationships: Friendship

Values/Ideas: Literature

Values/Ideas: Truth & Lies