Torch
Torch
Book Brief
Beta432
Novel • Fiction
Minnesota • 1990s
2012
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Cheryl Strayed's novel Torch explores the impact of a family member's illness and death on a mother, her children, and their tight-knit community. The story delves into themes of grief, love, and resilience, portraying how each individual navigates the profound changes and emotional upheavals that follow their loss.
Emotional
Bittersweet
Melancholic
Contemplative
Gritty
Reviews & Readership
9,603 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Torch by Cheryl Strayed offers a poignant exploration of grief and human resilience. Critics praise its raw emotion and authentic character development, reflecting Strayed's gift for capturing the intricacies of loss. Some note that the narrative might feel slow at times. Overall, it balances heartbreak with hope, resonating deeply with readers.
Who Should Read Torch?
Readers who relish poignant, character-driven narratives akin to The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold or The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen will find Torch by Cheryl Strayed compelling. Ideal for those who appreciate explorations of family dynamics, grief, and resilience through rich, emotive prose.
9,603 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Torch is the debut novel of Cheryl Strayed, published in 2006, before she gained widespread fame for her memoir Wild.
The exploration of themes such as family and grief in Torch is influenced by Strayed's own life experiences, providing a raw and honest depiction of coping with loss.
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Torch was a finalist for the 2006 Great Lakes Book Award, highlighting its critical acclaim despite being Strayed's first novel.
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432
Novel • Fiction
Minnesota • 1990s
2012
Adult
18+ years
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