The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles follows Emmett Watson, newly released from a juvenile detention center, who, along with his younger brother Billy, plans to start anew in California. However, their journey is sidetracked when two former inmates, Duchess and Woolly, join them, leading to an unexpected cross-country adventure filled with moral conflicts and a quest for redemption. The book includes pervasive physical violence, emotional abuse, and depictions of suicide.

Amor Towles' The Lincoln Highway captivates readers with its richly detailed prose and well-developed characters. The novel’s exploration of friendship and adventure receives high praise, though some find its pace sluggish. A mix of poignant moments and weaving narratives, the book’s complexity may challenge some but is largely seen as a rewarding read.

Readers who enjoyed A Gentleman in Moscow or Rules of Civility will be captivated by The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles. Ideal for those who appreciate richly drawn characters, historical settings, and a narrative journey reminiscent of John Steinbeck's East of Eden. Fans of literary fiction and engaging, multilayered plots will find this book compelling.

Adventurous / Nostalgic / Heartwarming / Bittersweet / Contemplative

- The Lincoln Highway marks Amor Towles' third novel, following his acclaimed works Rules of Civility and A Gentleman in Moscow.
- The novel is set in the 1950s and features various locations along the actual Lincoln Highway, the first transcontinental highway for automobiles in the United States.
- During its release, The Lincoln Highway quickly ascended bestseller lists, receiving praise for its character development and engaging narrative style.

Amor Towles

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The Lincoln Highway Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Ten”

Part 1 The Lincoln Highway Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Nine” 

Part 2 The Lincoln Highway Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Eight”

Part 3 The Lincoln Highway Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Seven”

Part 4 The Lincoln Highway Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Six”

Part 5 The Lincoln Highway Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “Five”

Part 6 The Lincoln Highway Part 6 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “Four”

Part 7 The Lincoln Highway Part 7 Summary & Analysis

Part 8: “Three”

Part 8 The Lincoln Highway Part 8 Summary & Analysis

Part 9: “Two”

Part 9 The Lincoln Highway Part 9 Summary & Analysis

Part 10: “One”

Part 10 The Lincoln Highway Part 10 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Lincoln Highway Character Analysis

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Themes

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Important Quotes

The Lincoln Highway Important Quotes

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The Lincoln Highway Book Club Questions

The Lincoln Highway

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