The Magic Barrel by Bernard Malamud

The Magic Barrel

Bernard Malamud with Jhumpa Lahiri

240 pages first pub 1950 (editions)

fiction classics short stories reflective slow-paced
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The Magic Barrel by Bernard Malamud is a poignant and powerful read that will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever felt the longing for identity, community, and artistic expression, making it a must-read for those who appreciate stories of the immigrant experience, cultural heritage, and the human struggle to find one's place in the world.

Description

Winner of the National Book Award for FictionBernard Malamud's first book of short stories, The Magic Barrel, has been recognized as a classic from the time it was published in 1959. The stories are set in New York and in Italy (where Malamud's al...

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Community Reviews

3.8
based on 194 reviews

Moods

emotional: 70%

funny: 60%

reflective: 60%

mysterious: 40%

hopeful: 30%

sad: 30%

adventurous: 20%

challenging: 20%

dark: 20%

tense: 20%

informative: 10%

lighthearted: 10%


Pace

30% of readers chose fast
70% of readers chose medium
fast
medium

Plot or character driven?

50% of readers chose A mix
50% of readers chose Character
A mix
Character

Strong character development?

37% of readers chose Yes
37% of readers chose Complicated
25% of readers chose No
Yes
Complicated
No

Loveable characters?

37% of readers chose Yes
50% of readers chose Complicated
12% of readers chose No
Yes
Complicated
No

Diverse cast of characters?

37% of readers chose Yes
25% of readers chose Complicated
37% of readers chose No
Yes
Complicated
No

Flaws of characters a main focus?

75% of readers chose Yes
12% of readers chose Complicated
12% of readers chose No
Yes
Complicated
No

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