Labor Day
Labor Day
Book Brief
Beta244
Novel • Fiction
New Hampshire • 1980s
2009
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Joyce Maynard's novel Labor Day follows a young boy and his reclusive mother whose lives change dramatically when they encounter an escaped convict over the course of a long weekend. The story explores themes of love, trust, and transformation.
Reviews & Readership
38,241 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Joyce Maynard's Labor Day has garnered praise for its evocative prose and compelling exploration of complex emotions. Reviewers commend the vivid character development and immersive narrative. However, some critique the story's pacing and predictability. Despite this, its heartfelt depiction of love and redemption resonates with many readers.
Who Should Read Labor Day?
Readers who enjoy Labor Day by Joyce Maynard are often drawn to emotionally resonant, character-driven narratives. Fans of Ann Patchett's Bel Canto and Sue Monk Kidd's The Secret Life of Bees will appreciate Maynard's exploration of complex relationships and personal transformation within a compelling, nuanced story.
38,241 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
A popular dish featured in Labor Day is a perfect peach pie, which serves as a symbolic and recurring theme throughout the novel.
Joyce Maynard frequently explores themes of family dynamics and personal growth, mirroring her style in other works such as To Die For and The Usual Rules.
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The novel was adapted into a movie in 2013, directed by Jason Reitman and starred Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin.
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244
Novel • Fiction
New Hampshire • 1980s
2009
Adult
18+ years
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