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Literary Fiction· United States

The Maytrees

by Annie Dillard
Aggregate Editorial Score65/100
★PEN/Faulkner Award
Published 2007English
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About This Book

Few works of literary fiction have earned the sustained critical attention that The Maytrees (2007) by Annie Dillard continues to receive. Lou and Toby Maytree's Provincetown love story spans fifty years of fidelity, desertion, and return in Dillard's lyrical, economical novel. Dillard's first novel is a meditation on love, solitude, and the Cape Cod landscape. Themes of love, Cape Cod, marriage run through the work. The book has received recognition from PEN/Faulkner Award 2007.

Book Details

AuthorAnnie Dillard
Published2007
Country of Origin🇺🇸 United States
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780061340420
Editorial Score65/100
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

First published in 2007, Annie Dillard's The Maytrees is a work of literary fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with love, Cape Cod, marriage, art gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Among its recognitions: PEN/Faulkner Award 2007. Its aggregate editorial score of 65/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. The appeal of The Maytrees lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of love, Cape Cod, marriage, art is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. The Maytrees reflects Annie Dillard'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

PEN/Faulkner Award
winner · national
200765
✍️
About the Author
Annie Dillard
United States
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Annie Dillard is a celebrated author from United States known for influential works of literary fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Maytrees about?

Lou and Toby Maytree's Provincetown love story spans fifty years of fidelity, desertion, and return in Dillard's lyrical, economical novel. Dillard's first novel is a meditation on love, solitude, and the Cape Cod landscape.

Who wrote The Maytrees?

The Maytrees was written by Annie Dillard, from United States. First published in 2007.

What awards has The Maytrees won?

The Maytrees has received the following awards and honours: PEN/Faulkner Award 2007.

Is The Maytrees worth reading?

The Maytrees 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 love, Cape Cod, marriage.

Where can I buy The Maytrees?

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

What category is The Maytrees?

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

What country is The Maytrees from?

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

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