The Rumor

Elin Hilderbrand
62 pages2-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Adult
Published in 2015

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Book Brief

Elin Hilderbrand

The Rumor

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015
Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Romance
Setting

Nantucket, Massachusetts • 2010s

Theme
Femininity

Social Class

Loyalty & Betrayal
Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Rumor by Elin Hilderbrand explores the intertwined lives of residents in Nantucket as secrets and rumors disrupt their seemingly perfect community. The story focuses on two best friends, Madeline and Grace, whose personal struggles and choices become the center of town gossip, revealing the complexities of friendship and trust.

Mysterious

Contemplative

Emotional

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Elin Hilderbrand's The Rumor is a captivating summer read with richly drawn characters and an engaging plot centered around scandal and secrets in a tight-knit community. Praise focuses on its relatable and multidimensional characters, as well as its evocative setting. Criticisms include predictable storylines and occasional melodrama. Overall, it's a compelling beach read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Rumor?

A reader who enjoys The Rumor by Elin Hilderbrand likely appreciates character-driven stories set in picturesque, coastal locations. They would also enjoy intricate social dynamics and suspense similar to Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty and The Island by Hilderbrand. Ideal for those seeking drama, romance, and insightful human interactions.

Character List

A protagonist experiencing severe writer’s block while facing financial and professional pressure. She is an author whose actions drive significant plot developments.

A protagonist who is a devoted mother and creative landscaper. She struggles with feelings of dissatisfaction in her marriage to Eddie.

A real estate agent known as “Fast Eddie,” whose financial troubles and decisions create major conflicts. He is determined to provide a lavish lifestyle for his family.

A talented landscape architect who appreciates Grace’s passion for gardening. His presence catalyzes Grace’s personal crisis.

Grace and Eddie’s daughter, a popular teenager dealing with social challenges. She experiences growth through personal crises.

Allegra’s twin sister, quieter and more observant. She provides perspective on the family dynamics and develops a stronger bond with her sister.

The island community narrating portions of the story. It plays a role as the gossip-driven voice contributing to the characters’ reputations.

Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Romance
Setting

Nantucket, Massachusetts • 2010s

Theme
Femininity

Social Class

Loyalty & Betrayal
Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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