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Book Brief
272
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
•
Modern Classic Fiction•
BiographySyracuse, New York • 1980s
1999
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Set in 1981 at Syracuse University, American author Alice Sebold’s memoir, Lucky (1999), focuses on a brutal sexual assault perpetrated against Sebold and the fallout from this attack. Following the assault, Sebold navigates the trauma, confronts systemic failings, and ultimately identifies and prosecutes her assailant while grappling with PTSD, substance abuse, and the impact on her personal relationships. Sexual assault, trauma, and substance abuse.
Dark
Unnerving
Emotional
Contemplative
Gritty
Reviews & Readership
100,807 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Alice Sebold's memoir, Lucky, is lauded for its raw and powerful recounting of her assault and its aftermath. Critics appreciate Sebold's unflinching honesty and poignant prose, though some note the graphic content may be distressing for readers. While praised for its courage and impact, the book's intense narrative might be emotionally challenging for some.
Who Should Read Lucky?
Readers who found themselves engrossed by the raw emotional landscape in works like The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold or A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer will appreciate Lucky by Alice Sebold. This memoir delves into themes of resilience and trauma recovery, ideal for those drawn to powerful, real-life narratives.
100,807 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
272
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
•
Modern Classic Fiction•
BiographySyracuse, New York • 1980s
1999
Adult
18+ years