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Cover of The Echo Maker
Literary Fiction· United States

The Echo Maker

by Richard Powers
Aggregate Editorial Score67/100
★National Book Award
Published 2007514 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

The Echo Maker by Richard Powers is a landmark work of literary fiction, first published in 2007. After a car accident, Mark Schluter develops Capgras syndrome—the belief that his sister has been replaced by an impostor—in a Nebraska ravaged by industrial farming. Powers's National Book Award winner weaves together neuroscience, ecological disaster, and the mystery of identity. Themes of neuroscience, identity, ecology run through the work. The book has received recognition from National Book Award 2007.

Book Details

AuthorRichard Powers
Published2007
Country of Origin🇺🇸 United States
LanguageEnglish
Pages514
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780374146153
Editorial Score67/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

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

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇺🇸 United States

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

Explore books from United States →

Editorial Assessment

The Echo Maker by Richard Powers sits within the tradition of literary fiction that treats language as seriously as plot. Published in 2007 in United States, it engages with neuroscience, identity, ecology, Nebraska in ways that have earned it lasting critical attention. The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Among its recognitions: National Book Award 2007. Its aggregate editorial score of 67/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. What distinguishes The Echo Maker is how it handles its central concerns — neuroscience, identity, ecology, Nebraska — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. Within United States's literary landscape, Richard Powers occupies a significant position. The Echo Maker is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
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

National Book Award
winner · national
200765
✍️
About the Author
Richard Powers
United States
View Author →

Richard Powers is a celebrated author from United States known for influential works of literary fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Echo Maker about?

After a car accident, Mark Schluter develops Capgras syndrome—the belief that his sister has been replaced by an impostor—in a Nebraska ravaged by industrial farming. Powers's National Book Award winner weaves together neuroscience, ecological disaster, and the mystery of identity.

Who wrote The Echo Maker?

The Echo Maker was written by Richard Powers, from United States. First published in 2007.

What awards has The Echo Maker won?

The Echo Maker has received the following awards and honours: National Book Award 2007.

Is The Echo Maker worth reading?

The Echo Maker is a well-regarded book with solid critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 65/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in neuroscience, identity, ecology.

Where can I buy The Echo Maker?

You can buy The Echo Maker on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Echo Maker?

The Echo Maker is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The Echo Maker from?

The Echo Maker originates from United States's literary tradition. Explore more books from United States on our country page.

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