58 pages 1 hour read

Peter Hedges

What's Eating Gilbert Grape

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1991

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

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.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read What's Eating Gilbert Grape?

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.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

Coming of Age / Bildungsroman

Drama / Tragedy

Modern Classic Fiction

Themes

Relationships: Family

Emotions/Behavior: Grief

Identity: Disability