Who Would Like This Book:
Anne Tyler's writing shines with warmth, humor, and a gentle knack for nailing the little oddities that make people real. "The Accidental Tourist" is a character-driven novel featuring Macon Leary, a travel writer stuck in the routines that help him keep grief and chaos at bay. Fans of introspective stories about life's messiness, transformation after loss, and quirky, authentic characters will love this book. If you appreciate novels that delve into families and relationships, with a side of dry wit and Baltimore flavor, it's for you.
Who May Not Like This Book:
Readers looking for fast-paced action, plot-driven twists, or high drama might find the book too slow or low-key. Some found the main characters frustratingly indecisive or unlikable, especially with their offbeat habits and emotional reserve. A few were put off by certain character dynamics or felt detached from the protagonists. If you crave big events or need to fall in love with every character, this one might leave you wanting more.
About:
'The Accidental Tourist' by Anne Tyler follows Macon Leary, a travel writer who is stuck in his ways and hates leaving Baltimore. After the tragic death of his teenage son and his wife leaving him, Macon's life takes a turn when he meets the quirky dog trainer Muriel. The novel explores Macon's journey of self-discovery, growth, and embracing change, as he navigates relationships and finds unexpected connections that challenge his rigid lifestyle. Anne Tyler's writing style captures the essence of ordinary life with depth, humor, and wisdom, creating memorable characters who undergo transformation and learn to navigate the complexities of human relationships.
Genres:
Tropes/Plot Devices:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings for The Accidental Tourist include themes of child murder, grief, emotional distress, and dysfunctional family dynamics.
Has Romance?
There is a medium level of romance in The Accidental Tourist, with significant romantic relationships involving the protagonist, Macon, and two women that represent different aspects of his life.
From The Publisher:
In this irresistible #1 New York Times best-selling novel, Anne Tyler explores the slippery alchemy of attracting opposites, and the struggle to rebuild one's life after unspeakable tragedy.
Travel writer Macon Leary hates travel, adventure, surprises, and anything outside of his routine. Immobilized by grief, Macon is becoming increasingly prickly and alone, anchored by his solitude and an unwillingness to compromise his creature comforts. Then he meets Muriel, an eccentric dog trainer too optimistic to let Macon disappear into himself. Despite Macon's best efforts to remain insulated, Muriel up-ends his solitary, systemized life, catapulting him into the center of a messy, beautiful love story he never imagined. A fresh and timeless tale of unexpected bliss, The Accidental Tourist showcases Tyler's talents for making characters-and their relationships-feel both real and magical.
"Incandescent, heartbreaking, exhilarating…One cannot reasonably expect fiction to be much better than this." -The Washington Post
Look for Clock Dance, the charming new novel from Anne Tyler, available now.
Ratings (19)
Incredible (4) | |
Loved It (10) | |
Liked It (2) | |
It Was OK (2) | |
Did Not Like (1) |
Reader Stats (31):
Read It (19) | |
Want To Read (10) | |
Not Interested (2) |
What can you read after
The Accidental Tourist?
About the Author:
ANNE TYLER was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 1941 and grew up in Raleigh, North Carolina. She is the author of more than twenty novels. Her twentieth novel, A Spool of Blue Thread, was short-listed for the Man Booker Prize in 2015….
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
