The Hundred-Year House
The Hundred-Year House
Book Brief
Beta338
Novel • Fiction
Laurelfield • 1990s
2014
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Hundred-Year House by Rebecca Makkai explores the lives intertwined within an estate formerly used as an artists' colony. As residents unravel complex family histories and secrets, the narrative shifts backwards through time, revealing connections between past and present occupants. The novel intricately examines identity, legacy, and the impact of history on individuals and relationships.
Mysterious
Melancholic
Nostalgic
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
13,687 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Hundred-Year House by Rebecca Makkai garners praise for its intricate storytelling and vivid prose, offering a layered narrative that unfolds in reverse. While the characterization and the historical elements captivate many readers, some find the reverse chronology and multitude of plot threads occasionally challenging to follow. Overall, it is a highly engaging read.
Who Should Read The Hundred-Year House?
A reader who enjoys The Hundred-Year House by Rebecca Makkai is likely drawn to multi-generational family sagas, literary mysteries, and art history. Fans of E. M. Forster’s Howards End or Kate Morton’s The Forgotten Garden would appreciate the novel's intricate narrative structure and richly layered storytelling.
13,687 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Hundred-Year House is structured in a reverse chronological order, with each part of the novel set in an earlier time period than the previous one, creating a unique narrative experience.
The novel was inspired by Rebecca Makkai's own curiosity about the history of old houses and what stories they could tell about their former occupants.
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The Hundred-Year House was named a 2014 "Best Book of the Year" by publications such as BookPage and Good Housekeeping.
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338
Novel • Fiction
Laurelfield • 1990s
2014
Adult
18+ years
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