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Description edit
Macon Leary is a travel writer who hates both travel and anything out of the ordinary. He is grounded by loneliness and an unwillingness to compromise his creature comforts when he meets Muriel, a deliciously peculiar dog-obedience trainer who up-ends Macon’s insular world–and thrusts him... read more
Ridiculously Simplified Synopsis edit
Characters/People edit
- Macon Leary: A travel-guide writer who hates to trave and so writes guidebooks for those people who hate to leave home.
- Sarah Leary: Macon's wife.
- Muriel Pritchett: A frizzy haired dog trainer who sets out to train Macon's dog. Muriel is mother to Alexander.
- Edward: Macon's somewhat unruly dog.
- Alexander Pritchett: A small, sickly looking boy. Son of Muriel.
- Julian Edge: Macon's publisher.
- Rose Leary: The youngest Leary sibling, and the only girl. Rose looks after the Leary brothers.
- Charles Leary: The oldest Leary sibling. He handles the production end of the Leary family bottle cap company.
- Ethan Leary: Macon and Sarah's son. He was murdered in a Burger Bonanza after sneaking away from summer camp.
- Porter Leary: Porter is considered the best looking Leary brother. He handles the financial aspects of the Leary family bottle cap company.
- Mrs. Dugan: Add a description of this character.
- Susan Leary
- Claire
- Norman
- Alicia: Mother to Sarah, Porter, Charles and Macon Leary. She is an artist.
- Bernice Tilghman
- Garner
- Dominick Saddler
- Brenda
- Danny
- Grandfather Leary
- Jo
- Mrs. Daniel Bunn
- Mr. Aggers
- George
- Mrs. Barrett
- Mr. Loomis
- Jim Robinson
- Betty Grand
- Mrs. Sidey
- Becky
- John Albright
- Helen
- Mr. Dugan
- Dana Scully
- Brad Frederick
- Mrs. Saddler
- Sam 'n' Joe
- Scott
- Sue Carney
- Dr. Kane
- Mrs. Brimm
- Delilah Carney
- Mrs. Quick
First Sentence edit
They were supposed to stay at the beach a week, but neither of them had the heart for it and they decided to come back early.
Series & Lists edit
This book is in Based on the Book. (community list)
This book is in Guardian 1000 Novels Everyone Must Read. (authoritative list)
This is book 212 of 213 in Best English-Language Fiction of the 20th Century. (authoritative list)
Authors & Contributors edit
- Anne Tyler (Author)
First Edition edit
Original Language: English
Publisher: Knopf
Country: USA
Publication Date: 1985
ISBN: 039454689X
Page Count: 336
Publisher: Knopf
Country: USA
Publication Date: 1985
ISBN: 039454689X
Page Count: 336
Awards edit
- National Book Critics Circle Award (1985: Fiction, Winner)
- Ambassador Book Award (1986: Fiction)
- Pulitizer Prize (Finalist, 1986: Fiction)
Classification edit
- Library of Congress: PS3570.Y45 A64 1985
- Dewey: 813.54
Subjects edit
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