Marlena
Marlena
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2017
Book Brief
Beta274
Novel • Fiction
Northern Michigan • 2000s
2017
Adult
18+ years
970L
Super Short Summary
Marlena by Julie Buntin follows a young person's journey through friendship and loss. It centers around Cat, who reflects on her formative teenage years in a small Michigan town, impacted significantly by her magnetic and troubled friend Marlena. The narrative explores themes of memory, influence, and the lasting effects of past relationships.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Mysterious
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
16,450 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Marlena by Julie Buntin explores themes of friendship and loss with lyrical prose and a strong sense of place. Readers praise its emotional depth and compelling character development. Some critiques highlight its pacing and predictability, yet its portrayal of addiction and adolescence resonates profoundly, offering a poignant narrative experience.
Who Should Read Marlena?
A reader who would enjoy Julie Buntin's Marlena is likely drawn to coming-of-age stories that explore complex female friendships and the impact of addiction. They might appreciate the emotional depth found in works like My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferrante and The Girls by Emma Cline.
16,450 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
274
Novel • Fiction
Northern Michigan • 2000s
2017
Adult
18+ years
970L
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