Title: Earthly Possessions
Author: Anne Tyler
First published January 1, 1977
202 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780449911815 (ISBN10: 0449911810)
Rating: 3.74
Overview
“Anne Tyler’s Earthly Possessions will take you on an unforgettable journey. Charlotte Emory had always lived a life of routine in Clarion, Maryland.
But one day, she decides to break free from convention and leave her husband. Little did she know that a simple trip to the bank would turn into a wild adventure when a young man takes her hostage during a robbery.
Together, they embark on a journey heading south towards an unknown future. Buckle up and get ready to be enchanted by the unexpected fate that awaits Charlotte in this captivating novel.”
About the Author
Anne Tyler, an American novelist, was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1941. She spent most of her childhood in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Tyler graduated from Duke University at the age of nineteen and went on to pursue her graduate studies in Russian Studies at Columbia University. She has published twenty novels, with her first one being If Morning Ever Comes in 1964.
Tyler’s eleventh novel, Breathing Lessons, won the Pulitzer Prize in 1988. She is currently a member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters.
Editoral Review
Anne Tyler, one of the most respected American novelists of her time, wrote her first novel, Earthly Possessions, in 1977. Her character-driven narratives that explore family dynamics and unusual relationships have been admired for their raw representation of human nature.
In Earthly Possessions, Tyler delves into the life of a run-of-the-mill middle-aged woman and her struggles with her mundane existence.
The novel follows Charlotte Emory, a disenchanted housewife from Baltimore, who recounts the events that led her to kidnap a bank teller during a robbery.
As the story progresses, readers get to know Charlotte’s misanthropic family and the long-standing issues that have left her feeling unfulfilled. Throughout the novel, we are introduced to different settings, such as Charlotte’s hometown, the road, and a farmhouse in Pennsylvania, the latter of which becomes a significant location for the story to unfold.
Earthly Possessions is a character-driven novel that focuses on the exploration of human relationships. Tyler expertly unravels the layers of each character’s personality, and we witness each character’s metamorphosis as the story progresses.
Charlotte’s coming-of-middle-age story is beautifully crafted, and we see her transform from a helpless victim of her circumstances to a character with newfound strength and independence.
Tyler’s writing style is characterized by a precise attention to detail and a heightened sensitivity to emotions.
This is what gives her characters an air of authenticity and a relatable quality. Her ability to create descriptive language that evokes vivid imagery also helps us to empathize with the characters’ situation.
For example, when Charlotte describes the farmhouse in Pennsylvania as “a cross between Noah’s Ark and the Texas School Book Depository,” the vivid allusion she makes to two completely different events not only brings the setting to life, it also marks a transition in her own thought process.
Tyler’s astute observations on family dynamics and societal expectations are refreshing and still hold relevant today.
The protagonist’s ennui is not unique to her and is something that continues to trouble many people in contemporary society. The author seamlessly addresses themes such as conformity, disillusionment, and the disappointing realities of adulthood.
The slow pacing and lack of action may not appeal to some readers, but for those who enjoy character-driven dramas, Earthly Possessions will not disappoint. Although the novel is of significant cultural significance, Tyler’s exploration of human nature and family dynamics are timeless themes that resonate with contemporary audiences.
Overall, Earthly Possessions is a thought-provoking novel that is deserving of a read. Tyler’s literary prowess is on full display here, as she navigates the complexities of life with a delicate hand.
Lovers of literary fiction, in particular, will find this novel satisfying. I give this novel 4 out of 5 stars for its attention to detail, adept character development, and thought-provoking themes.
