53 pages 1 hour read

Nicole Krauss

The History of Love

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The History of Love by Nicole Krauss interweaves three stories. Leo Gursky, a Holocaust survivor in New York, writes a book for his lost love, Alma. Alma Singer, a teenage girl in Brooklyn, is named after a character from that book. Connections unfold as Alma seeks the real-life inspiration for her namesake and finds Leo. Themes include love, loneliness, and the power of literature woven through fragmented narratives and inventive typography.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Nicole Krauss' The History of Love is widely praised for its lyrical prose and poignant exploration of love, loss, and human connection. Critics appreciate the interweaving narratives and character depth. However, some find the plot convoluted and occasionally confusing. Overall, it’s a touching, evocative read that resonates emotionally.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The History of Love?

Readers who revel in intricate narratives and emotional depth, akin to those in Jonathan Safran Foer’s Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close or Mark Haddon’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, will find The History of Love by Nicole Krauss compelling. It’s perfect for aficionados of literary fiction exploring love, loss, and connection.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Romance

Historical Fiction

Jewish Literature

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Love

Society: Community

Values/Ideas: Literature

Topics

Love / Sexuality