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Cover of Foreign Affairs
Literary Fiction· United States

Foreign Affairs

by Alison Lurie
Aggregate Editorial Score53/100
★Pulitzer Prize
Published 1985291 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Few works of literary fiction have earned the sustained critical attention that Foreign Affairs (1985) by Alison Lurie continues to receive. Two American academics—one a confident, famous older woman, one a handsome young man—have unexpected romantic adventures while researching in London. Lurie's Pulitzer-winning comedy of manners is a witty, astute observation of transatlantic cultural differences and the comedy of unexpected desire. Themes of academia, romance, transatlantic run through the work. The book has received recognition from Pulitzer Prize 1985.

Book Details

AuthorAlison Lurie
Published1985
Country of Origin🇺🇸 United States
LanguageEnglish
Pages291
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9781400030279
Editorial Score53/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

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Country of Origin

🇺🇸 United States

This book is part of United States's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

Foreign Affairs by Alison Lurie sits within the tradition of literary fiction that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 1985 in United States, it engages with academia, romance, transatlantic, aging in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. Among its recognitions: Pulitzer Prize 1985. With an editorial score of 53/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. What distinguishes Foreign Affairs is how it handles its central concerns — academia, romance, transatlantic, aging — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. Foreign Affairs reflects Alison Lurie's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with United States's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Pulitzer Prize
winner · national
198548
✍️
About the Author
Alison Lurie
United States
View Author →

Alison Lurie is a celebrated author from United States known for influential works of literary fiction.

Designed to Feel
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Designed to Feel
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“The most eye-opening book on emotions I’ve ever read.”
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Foreign Affairs about?

Two American academics—one a confident, famous older woman, one a handsome young man—have unexpected romantic adventures while researching in London. Lurie's Pulitzer-winning comedy of manners is a witty, astute observation of transatlantic cultural differences and the comedy of unexpected desire.

Who wrote Foreign Affairs?

Foreign Affairs was written by Alison Lurie, from United States. First published in 1985.

What awards has Foreign Affairs won?

Foreign Affairs has received the following awards and honours: Pulitzer Prize 1985.

Is Foreign Affairs worth reading?

Foreign Affairs is a notable work that has earned critical attention, with an aggregate editorial score of 48/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in academia, romance, transatlantic.

Where can I buy Foreign Affairs?

You can buy Foreign Affairs on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is Foreign Affairs?

Foreign Affairs is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is Foreign Affairs from?

Foreign Affairs originates from United States's literary tradition. Explore more books from United States on our country page.

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