The Idea of Perfection
The Idea of Perfection
Book Brief
Beta416
Novel • Fiction
New South Wales • 1990s
2001
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Idea of Perfection by Kate Grenville explores the lives of two unlikely individuals in a small Australian town, each grappling with personal challenges. As their stories intersect, themes of vulnerability, community, and self-discovery unfold, highlighting the beauty found in imperfection and the transformative power of connection.
Contemplative
Romantic
Humorous
Emotional
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
4,095 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Idea of Perfection by Kate Grenville is celebrated for its rich character development and vivid depiction of rural Australia. Praised for its humor and warmth, the novel deeply explores themes of imperfection and love. Some critics find its pacing slow and plot predictable. Overall, it is appreciated for its insightful narrative and engaging prose.
Who Should Read The Idea of Perfection?
Readers who enjoy The Idea of Perfection by Kate Grenville typically appreciate character-driven narratives exploring themes of love, self-discovery, and rural life. Similar readers might enjoy The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd.
4,095 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Idea of Perfection won the prestigious Orange Prize for Fiction in 2001, which is awarded annually for the best original full-length novel written by a woman.
The novel was set in New South Wales, Australia, and highlights Grenville's skillful portrayal of rural life and its idiosyncrasies.
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Kate Grenville drew on her background in film and television writing, infusing The Idea of Perfection with vivid imagery and a cinematic quality.
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416
Novel • Fiction
New South Wales • 1990s
2001
Adult
18+ years
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