58 pages • 1 hour read
Peter HedgesA modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Set in 1989, Peter Hedges' debut novel, What's Eating Gilbert Grape, follows young Gilbert Grape in Endora, Iowa, whose life is dominated by his responsibilities toward his family, including his mother, whose severe obesity confines her to their home, and his younger brother Arnie, who has an intellectual disability.
Peter Hedges' What's Eating Gilbert Grape is widely praised for its heartfelt portrayal of small-town life and complex family dynamics. Reviewers commend its authentic characters and emotional depth. However, some critics find the pacing sluggish and feel the narrative could be more focused. Overall, it's a touching exploration of personal struggle and community.
Fans of character-driven stories grappling with familial duty and personal aspirations would enjoy What's Eating Gilbert Grape by Peter Hedges. Similar to readers of The Perks of Being a Wallflower and The Secret Life of Bees, these readers appreciate emotionally resonant, small-town narratives focused on personal growth.
Coming of Age / Bildungsroman
Drama / Tragedy
Modern Classic Fiction
Relationships: Family
Emotions/Behavior: Grief
Identity: Disability