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Cover of The Corrections
Literary Fiction· United States

The Corrections

by Jonathan Franzen
Aggregate Editorial Score88/100
★National Book Award
Published 2002592 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen is a landmark work of literary fiction, first published in 2002. Three adult children are summoned home for one last Christmas with their parents—their father is in the advanced stages of Parkinson's—in Franzen's National Book Award winner. A sweeping portrait of a Midwestern family and an anatomy of late-twentieth-century American culture. Themes of family, aging, American life run through the work. The book has received recognition from National Book Award 2002 and Oprah's Book Club 2001.

Book Details

AuthorJonathan Franzen
Published2002
Country of Origin🇺🇸 United States
LanguageEnglish
Pages592
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780312421304
Editorial Score88/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇺🇸 United States

This book is part of United States's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from United States →

Editorial Assessment

The Corrections by Jonathan Franzen sits within the tradition of literary fiction that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 2002 in United States, it engages with family, aging, American life, capitalism in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. Among its recognitions: National Book Award 2002; Oprah's Book Club 2001; ALA Notable Books 2001. With an editorial score of 88/100 drawn from 3 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. Readers coming to The Corrections for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of family, aging, American life, capitalism is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. The Corrections reflects Jonathan Franzen's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with United States's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 3 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

National Book Award
winner · national
200261
Oprah's Book Club
list · national
200121
ALA Notable Books
notable · national
200113
✍️
About the Author
Jonathan Franzen
United States
View Author →

Jonathan Franzen is a celebrated author from United States known for influential works of literary fiction.

Designed to Feel
Bestseller by Peter Burchardt
Designed to Feel
Why Evolution Built Your Emotions, and How to Make Them Work for You
“The most eye-opening book on emotions I’ve ever read.”
Get It on Amazon →Paperback & Kindle

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Corrections about?

Three adult children are summoned home for one last Christmas with their parents—their father is in the advanced stages of Parkinson's—in Franzen's National Book Award winner. A sweeping portrait of a Midwestern family and an anatomy of late-twentieth-century American culture.

Who wrote The Corrections?

The Corrections was written by Jonathan Franzen, from United States. First published in 2002.

What awards has The Corrections won?

The Corrections has received the following awards and honours: National Book Award 2002; Oprah's Book Club 2001; ALA Notable Books 2001.

Is The Corrections worth reading?

The Corrections is a widely acclaimed work with strong critical consensus, with an aggregate editorial score of 88/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 3 editorial sources. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in family, aging, American life.

Where can I buy The Corrections?

You can buy The Corrections on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Corrections?

The Corrections is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The Corrections from?

The Corrections originates from United States's literary tradition. Explore more books from United States on our country page.

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