55 pages • 1 hour read
Elizabeth StroutThe Burgess Boys
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
In The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout, two brothers, Bob and Jim Burgess, return to their hometown of Shirley Falls, Maine, to support their sister, Susan, after her son, Zach, is accused of a hate crime against the local Somali community, leading to family tensions and personal revelations. The story addresses themes of racism, familial guilt, and community conflict.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Elizabeth Strout's The Burgess Boys offers a rich exploration of family dynamics and personal history. Critics praise Strout's nuanced character development and the way she tackles complex social issues. However, some find the pacing slow and the plot elements disjointed. Overall, it's a compelling read with deep emotional resonance, despite uneven storytelling at times.
Who Should Read The Burgess Boys?
Readers who appreciate complex family dynamics and small-town American life, as seen in works like The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen and The Casual Vacancy by J.K. Rowling, will be drawn to The Burgess Boys by Elizabeth Strout. This novel delves into themes of identity, guilt, and familial responsibility, making it ideal for fans of character-driven narratives.