Plot Summary

The Almost Moon

Alice Sebold
Guide cover placeholder

The Almost Moon

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2007

Book Brief

Alice Sebold

The Almost Moon

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2007
Book Details
Pages

291

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Small town, Pennsylvania • Contemporary

Theme
Publication Year

2007

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

870L

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Almost Moon by Alice Sebold follows Helen Knightly, who murders her agoraphobic mother, Clair, and navigates the emotional aftermath over a twenty-four-hour period marked by flashbacks to her troubled past. As Helen deals with the consequences, she reflects on her family's dysfunction, her failed relationships, and her desire for redemption, ultimately confronting the impact of her actions. The novel includes themes of bodily trauma, violence, and mental illness.

Dark

Unnerving

Melancholic

Contemplative

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

3.2

40,194 ratings

26%

Loved it

32%

Mixed feelings

42%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Alice Sebold's The Almost Moon elicits polarized reviews. Critics praise Sebold's bold exploration of dark themes and complex characters, yet some find the narrative's descent into bleakness off-putting and the protagonist's actions difficult to empathize with. The compelling prose maintains Sebold's literary prowess, but the story's grimness may alienate readers seeking redemption.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Almost Moon?

A reader who would enjoy The Almost Moon by Alice Sebold is likely drawn towards dark, psychological narratives that delve deep into complex family dynamics and the human psyche. Fans of Sebold’s previous work, The Lovely Bones, or Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl, will appreciate the intense and gripping exploration of moral ambiguity and emotional turmoil.

3.2

40,194 ratings

26%

Loved it

32%

Mixed feelings

42%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

The Almost Moon was released in 2007 and quickly generated buzz due to the popularity of Sebold's previous novel, The Lovely Bones.

Actress Rachel Weisz was once attached to star in a film adaptation of The Almost Moon, but the project never came to fruition.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

The novel's exploration of complex family dynamics and mental health received mixed reviews, with some praising its boldness and others critiquing its intensity.

Subscribe to discover more Fun Facts!

Book Details
Pages

291

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Small town, Pennsylvania • Contemporary

Theme
Publication Year

2007

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

870L

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!