Plot Summary

Back When We Were Grownups

Anne Tyler

Back When We Were Grownups

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2001

Book Brief

Anne Tyler

Back When We Were Grownups

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2001
Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Baltimore, Maryland • Contemporary

First Publication Year

2001

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

Back When We Were Grownups by Anne Tyler follows a sixty-year-old person named Rebecca, who, after the death of her spouse, begins to reassess their life and personal identity. The story navigates Rebecca's journey of self-discovery while managing a complex family and reflecting on past choices.

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Nostalgic

Emotional

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Anne Tyler's Back When We Were Grownups is praised for its rich character development and insightful exploration of identity and personal growth. Readers admire Tyler's ability to create relatable, multidimensional characters. However, some critics find the plot slow-paced and the protagonist's journey predictable. Overall, the novel offers a thoughtful, reflective read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Back When We Were Grownups?

A reader who enjoys character-driven novels with themes of self-discovery and family dynamics would appreciate Anne Tyler's Back When We Were Grownups. Fans of Elizabeth Berg’s The Art of Mending and Carol Shields’ The Stone Diaries would likely find it captivating for its insightful exploration of ordinary lives.

Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Baltimore, Maryland • Contemporary

First Publication Year

2001

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!