Arcadia
By Lauren Groff
- Release Date: 2012-03-13
- Genre: Literary Fiction
Description
From the bestselling author of Fates and Furies comes a gripping, romantic, and tragic tale of trying to achieve utopia.
"Beautifully crafted." —Booklist
In the fields of western New York State in the 1970s, a few dozen idealists set out to live off the land, founding what would become a commune centered on the grounds of a decaying mansion called Arcadia House.
Arcadia's inhabitants include Handy, a musician and the group's charismatic leader; Astrid, a midwife; Abe, a master carpenter; Hannah, a baker and historian; and Abe and Hannah's only child, the book's protagonist, Bit, who is born soon after the commune is created.
While Arcadia rises and falls, Bit, too, ages and changes. If he remains in love with the peaceful agrarian life in Arcadia and deeply attached to its residents—including Handy and Astrid's lithe and deeply troubled daughter, Helle—how can Bit become his own man? How will he make his way through life and the world outside of Arcadia where he must eventually live?
With Arcadia, Lauren Groff establishes herself not only as one of the most gifted fiction writers at work today but also as one of our most accomplished literary artists.
Reviews
Hard to read
1By QXORKI’ve enjoyed other books by this author but truly struggled to read and/or get into this one. Had to stop reading.Mastery of imagery
5By Zombie #638The reason to read: to be transported to another place and feel deeply about it and its inhabitants. Lauren Groff is a masterful tour guide of a man’s unfolding life and his memory of the world of fantastical things in Arcadia. The images she paints for us linger long after finishing, the emotions touch us for a while.Beautiful
5By ccnsrBeautiful written. It was very moving. Shows you importance or love, empathy and the importance of seeing the beauty around us if you are able to look.Loved it!
5By JenniferNSI’ve been nonstop reading since being quarantined and of all the books I’ve read this one is by far the best! I found a new favorite author 👍🏼
