44 pages • 1 hour read
Jonathan LethemMotherless Brooklyn
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999A 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
Super Short Summary
In Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem, Lionel Essrog, a wannabe detective with Tourette's syndrome, seeks to avenge his mentor's murder. Navigating a complex web of false leads and betrayals in Brooklyn, he uncovers dark secrets about his mentor's past and criminal enterprises, ultimately facing moral ambiguities and profound realizations about loyalty and identity. The book includes scenes of violence and crime.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Motherless Brooklyn by Jonathan Lethem is lauded for its unique protagonist and innovative narrative style. Critics admire Lethem's blend of detective fiction and character study, particularly his portrayal of Tourette syndrome. However, some find the plot meandering and less engaging. Overall, it’s praised for its originality and captivating voice.
Who Should Read Motherless Brooklyn?
Fans of quirky, character-driven mysteries will relish Jonathan Lethem's Motherless Brooklyn. Readers who enjoyed the intricate plot twists and rich characterizations in Raymond Chandler's The Big Sleep or the witty and melancholic detective archetypes in Paul Auster's City of Glass will find this novel equally captivating.