Jennifer Egan's Manhattan Beach: A Novel of Love, Loss, and Redemption

Jennifer Egan's Manhattan Beach is a sweeping historical novel that follows the lives of four characters whose paths intertwine in the glamorous and gritty world of 1940s New York City. The novel weaves together themes of love, loss, and redemption, and explores the complexities of human relationships during a time of great social and economic change.

Meet the Characters

Anna Kerrigan: A young woman from Brooklyn who dreams of becoming a diver. After her father goes missing during World War II, Anna is determined to find him, no matter the cost.

Manhattan Beach: A Novel

by Jennifer Egan

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7418 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	448 pages

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Dexter Styles: A charismatic mobster with a dark past. He is drawn to Anna's strength and determination, but their relationship is complicated by his dangerous profession.

Eddie Kerrigan: Anna's older brother and a decorated war hero. He struggles to adjust to civilian life after the war and becomes embroiled in a dangerous scheme.

Kitty O'Day: A legendary diver who becomes Anna's mentor and confidante. She is a strong and independent woman who has overcome her own demons.

The Setting

Manhattan Beach is set in the bustling metropolis of New York City during the 1940s. The novel vividly captures the city's wartime atmosphere, with its air of both excitement and danger. The story unfolds against the backdrop of the Manhattan Project, the secret government project to develop the atomic bomb.

Love and Loss

At the heart of Manhattan Beach is the complex and passionate love story between Anna and Dexter. Their relationship is both exhilarating and heartbreaking, as they navigate the dangers of Dexter's world and the societal pressures of their time.

The novel also explores the profound loss and grief experienced by the characters during the war. Anna's search for her father becomes a metaphor for her own journey of self-discovery and healing.

Redemption

Despite the darkness and tragedy that pervade Manhattan Beach, there is also a strong sense of hope and redemption. Anna's determination to find her father and to forge her own path serves as a beacon of light in the face of adversity.

Through her relationship with Kitty and her experiences as a diver, Anna learns to embrace her own strength and resilience. She emerges from the novel as a transformed woman, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead.

Critical Reception

Manhattan Beach received widespread critical acclaim upon its release in 2017. The novel was praised for its rich historical detail, compelling characters, and poignant storytelling. It was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2018.

"Jennifer Egan has crafted a masterpiece of historical fiction that is both deeply moving and intellectually stimulating."—The New York Times

"A sweeping and unforgettable novel that will stay with you long after you finish it."—The Washington Post

Author Biography

Jennifer Egan is an American novelist, short story writer, and journalist. She is the author of seven novels, including A Visit from the Goon Squad, which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 2011. Egan is known for her innovative use of narrative techniques and her exploration of complex social issues.

Jennifer Egan was born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1962. She attended the University of Pennsylvania and the University of California, Berkeley. Before becoming a full-time writer, she worked as a reporter for The New York Times and The New Yorker.

Jennifer Egan's Manhattan Beach is a powerful and unforgettable novel that transports readers to a bygone era. Through its richly drawn characters, vivid setting, and poignant exploration of love, loss, and redemption, the novel offers a timeless meditation on the human experience.

Whether you are a fan of historical fiction, character-driven narratives, or simply great storytelling, Manhattan Beach is a must-read. It is a novel that will stay with you long after you finish it, and it will continue to resonate in your mind for years to come.

Manhattan Beach: A Novel

by Jennifer Egan

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7418 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	448 pages

FREE