Aloft
Aloft
Book Brief
Beta352
Novel • Fiction
Long Island, New York • 1990s
2005
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Aloft by Chang-rae Lee, readers follow Jerry Battle, an Italian-American retiree, as he navigates family dynamics, personal introspection, cultural identity, and the complexities of relationships. Set against the backdrop of Long Island, Jerry reflects on his life choices and seeks meaning while facing various challenges.
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Melancholic
Emotional
Serene
Reviews & Readership
2,781 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Chang-rae Lee's Aloft is praised for its rich prose and nuanced exploration of suburban alienation. The protagonist's introspection and Lee's detailed character studies resonate with readers. However, some critique its meandering plot and dense narrative as detracting from engagement. Overall, the novel offers a poignant, if at times slow, reflection on life's complexities.
Who Should Read Aloft?
Readers who enjoy Aloft by Chang-rae Lee likely appreciate introspective narratives exploring family dynamics and personal identity. Fans of works like The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri or The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen, which delve into complex familial relationships, will find similar themes engaging.
2,781 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Aloft by Chang-rae Lee explores themes of cultural identity and generational differences through the lens of a middle-class American family.
The novel was a finalist for the 2004 International Dublin Literary Award, recognizing its global impact and literary excellence.
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Chang-rae Lee, known for his rich storytelling, often draws from his Korean-American heritage, though Aloft uniquely delves into the suburban experience of a non-Korean protagonist.
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352
Novel • Fiction
Long Island, New York • 1990s
2005
Adult
18+ years
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