The Member of the Wedding
The Member of the Wedding
Book Brief
176
Novel • Fiction
Southern United States • 1940s
1946
Adult
14-18 years
900L
Super Short Summary
The Member of the Wedding by Carson McCullers follows the emotional journey of twelve-year-old tomboy Frankie Addams, who grapples with feelings of loneliness and exclusion in the American South. She becomes obsessed with her brother's upcoming wedding, hoping it will provide her with a sense of belonging, and adopts the name "F. Jasmine" while fantasizing about joining the newlyweds on their adventures.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Emotional
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
19,788 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Carson McCullers’ The Member of the Wedding receives praise for its lyrical prose and deep character explorations, particularly of adolescent loneliness and desire for belonging. Critics commend the vivid Southern setting and emotional depth. Some note a slow pace and dense narrative, which may not appeal to all readers. Overall, it’s celebrated as a poignant coming-of-age story.
Who Should Read The Member of the Wedding?
Readers who enjoy The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger or To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee would appreciate The Member of the Wedding by Carson McCullers. This novel appeals to those interested in poignant coming-of-age stories and complex explorations of identity and belonging.
19,788 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Member of the Wedding was adapted into a successful Broadway play in 1950, starring Ethel Waters and Julie Harris, with Harris reprising her role in the 1952 film adaptation.
Author Carson McCullers described her novel-writing process for The Member of the Wedding as "the most arduous session of composition" in her career, as she grappled with merging her vivid childhood memories into a coherent narrative.
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The original working title for The Member of the Wedding was "The Bride and Her Brother," showcasing McCullers' early focus on the sibling dynamic in the story.
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176
Novel • Fiction
Southern United States • 1940s
1946
Adult
14-18 years
900L
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