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Content snapshot
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Violence
Some
Some physical violence; a sexual assault in the backstory
Language
A lot
Strong language throughout
Sexual Content
A lot
Explicit adult sexual content throughout multiple storylines
Substance Use
Some
Heavy social drinking; some drug use
Emotional Intensity
A lot
The psychological weight of a marriage's deterioration examined in full; a sexual assault's long-term effects on a character's life
What this book is about
Walter and Patty Berglund are the perfect progressive couple in their St. Paul neighborhood. Their son Joey leaves for college and moves in with the conservative neighbors; Walter's friendship with his rock musician college roommate becomes dangerous; Patty's autobiography reveals what she's been hiding for decades. Franzen's third major novel is a sprawling portrait of American liberal class, marriage, and the freedoms we discover we didn't actually want when we get them.
Notes for sensitive readers
Reader-flagged moments and themes that may affect your experience.
Explicit adult sexual content throughout
A sexual assault with long-term narrative consequences
Strong language throughout
Reader Verification
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