Discover books similar to "A Summons to Memphis"
Peter Taylor
A Summons to Memphis
3.67
"A Sumsummons to Memphis" is a powerful and poignant novel by Peter Taylor that explores the complexities of family dynamics, identity, and the past. The story revolves around Phillip Carver, a middle-aged man living in New York, who receives a summons from his younger sisters to return to Memphis, Tennessee, to prevent their father from making a disastrous second marriage. Phillip's homecoming forces him to confront the ghosts of his past and the strained relationships with his family members. As the story unfolds, Taylor masterfully reveals the characters' hidden motivations, secrets, and regrets, creating a rich and nuanced portrait of a family in crisis. Taylor's prose is elegant and precise, capturing the rhythms and cadences of Southern speech and the lush, humid atmosphere of Memphis. The novel is also a meditation on the passage of time and the ways in which the past continues to shape and haunt the present. "A Summons to Memphis" is a beautifully crafted and deeply moving novel that showcases Taylor's extraordinary talent as a writer. It is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of family relationships and the human condition. The novel is also a testament to Taylor's ability to create vivid and unforgettable characters that linger in the reader's mind long after the final page has been turned. First published in 1986, "A Summons to Memphis" went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1987, cementing Taylor's place as one of the most important and accomplished writers of his generation. The novel has since become a classic of contemporary American literature and continues to captivate and inspire readers with its timeless themes and powerful storytelling...
List of books similar to "A Summons to Memphis":
Walker Percy
The Moviegoer
Both 'The Moviegoer' and 'A Summons to Memphis' explore themes of identity, family, and the South. 'The Moviegoer' tells the story of a young man who drifts through life, seeking meaning and connection in a world that seems to have lost its way.
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Eudora Welty
The Optimist's Daughter
Like 'A Summons to Memphis', this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel explores family dynamics and the South. The story revolves around a young woman who returns to her hometown for her father's second wedding, only to be confronted with complex family secrets.
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Pat Conroy
The Prince of Tides
Both 'The Prince of Tides' and 'A Summons to Memphis' delve into the intricacies of family relationships. This novel tells the story of a troubled man who recounts his traumatic childhood and dysfunctional family to his psychiatrist in New York.
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Walker Percy
The Last Gentleman
Fans of 'A Summons to Memphis' might enjoy 'The Last Gentleman' for its exploration of the South, family, and identity. The novel follows a young man from a prominent Southern family as he grapples with his place in the world and his relationships with those around him.
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Toni Morrison
Song of Solomon
Like 'A Summons to Memphis', 'Song of Solomon' is a richly textured novel that explores family, identity, and the South. The story follows a young African American man on a journey of self-discovery as he uncovers his family's complex history.
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Margaret Atwood
The Robber Bride
If you enjoyed the complex characters and relationships in 'A Summons to Memphis', you may appreciate 'The Robber Bride'. This novel tells the story of three women who come together to confront a former friend who has betrayed them in various ways.
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Edith Wharton
The House of Mirth
Fans of 'A Summons to Memphis' may enjoy 'The House of Mirth' for its exploration of family, social class, and personal growth. The novel follows a young woman as she navigates the upper echelons of New York society, seeking love and fulfillment in a world that values appearances over substance.
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Barbara Kingsolver
The Poisonwood Bible
Like 'A Summons to Memphis', 'The Poisonwood Bible' explores family, identity, and the South. The novel tells the story of a missionary family who moves to the Congo in the 1950s, and the consequences of their actions as they confront the complexities of a foreign culture.
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Pat Conroy
The Great Santini
Both 'The Great Santini' and 'A Summons to Memphis' explore the complexities of family relationships. This novel tells the story of a young boy who must navigate his father's volatile temper and unrealistic expectations, all while trying to find his own identity.
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