The Dearly Beloved

Cara Wall
48 pages1-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Adult
Published in 2019

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Book Brief

Cara Wall

The Dearly Beloved

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

•

Modern Classic Fiction
Setting

New York City • 1960s

Theme
Family

•

Grief

•

Marriage
Topic
Religion & Spirituality

•

World History
First Publication Year

2019

Publisher

Simon & Schuster

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall follows the intersecting lives of two couples, Charles and Lily Barrett and James and Nan MacNally, as they navigate faith, marriage, parenthood, and hardships over 17 years in 1950s and 1960s America. They confront personal struggles and societal challenges, with themes including faith versus doubt and the search for meaning and purpose. The book discusses pregnancy loss, illegal abortions, sexual harassment and assault, post-traumatic stress disorder, alcohol addiction, depression, and outdated autism treatment approaches.

Contemplative

Emotional

Inspirational

Melancholic

Romantic

Reviews & Readership

4.1

39,060 ratings

79%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Cara Wall's The Dearly Beloved has been praised for its compelling character development and insightful exploration of faith, marriage, and friendship. Critics appreciate the nuanced storytelling and emotional depth. However, some find its pace slow and the narrative structure fragmented. Overall, it's regarded as a thoughtful and profound read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Dearly Beloved?

Readers who enjoy The Dearly Beloved by Cara Wall are likely fans of character-driven, literary fiction that explores complex relationships and spiritual themes. They may appreciate books like Gilead by Marilynne Robinson and A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza. Ideal for those who savor introspective and emotionally nuanced storytelling.

4.1

39,060 ratings

79%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

A character deeply affected by his relationship with his antitheist Harvard professor father, leading him to seek a spiritual path as a minister. Charles faces challenges in his faith and his role in guiding people through their spiritual journeys.

An introverted character and an English professor interested in social change, who struggles with the loss of her parents and her faith. Her life is marked by her intellectual pursuits and the desire to find meaning after personal loss.

A character shaped by his father's war trauma, who aspires to support social progress through ministry. James balances his intellectual background and personal beliefs as he discovers his path in helping others and building a better world.

A devout minister's daughter from Mississippi dedicated to nurturing her faith and community. Nan's journey involves overcoming personal prejudices and gaining strength through her commitment to family and broader connections.

Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

•

Modern Classic Fiction
Setting

New York City • 1960s

Theme
Family

•

Grief

•

Marriage
Topic
Religion & Spirituality

•

World History
First Publication Year

2019

Publisher

Simon & Schuster

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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