70 pages 2 hours read

William Kent Krueger

Ordinary Grace

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Before You Read

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In William Kent Krueger's Ordinary Grace, 13-year-old Frank Drum recounts the harrowing summer of 1961 in New Bremen, Minnesota, when a series of deaths, including that of his sister Ariel, disrupt his family's life. The narrative explores themes of faith, loss, and growth as Frank, alongside his younger brother Jake, seeks to make sense of the tragedies that engulf their small town. This story includes the loss of a sibling and the impact of war injuries.

Reviews & Readership

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger has received praise for its eloquent prose, well-drawn characters, and evocative depiction of small-town life in the 1960s. The novel's themes of faith, loss, and family resonate deeply with readers. However, some find the pacing uneven and the story's resolution too predictable. Overall, it's a moving and contemplative read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Ordinary Grace?

Readers who appreciate Ordinary Grace by William Kent Krueger are likely drawn to reflective coming-of-age stories set in small-town America. If you enjoyed the nuanced family dynamics in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee or the poignant explorations of faith in Peace Like a River by Leif Enger, you'll find similar themes here.

Recommended

Reading Age

16+years

Book Details

Genre

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Horror / Thriller / Suspense Fiction

Historical Fiction