Emma Cline's The Guest is met with praise for its evocative prose and compelling protagonist. Critics laud Cline's ability to capture an atmospheric sense of dislocation. However, some find the plot meanders and lacks resolution. Overall, the novel is a nuanced exploration of identity and transience, recommended for readers who appreciate introspective narratives.

The ideal reader for Emma Cline's The Guest enjoys character-driven narratives with complex protagonists navigating morally ambiguous situations. Fans of Ottessa Moshfegh's My Year of Rest and Relaxation or Sally Rooney's Normal People will appreciate the introspective storytelling and nuanced exploration of contemporary life.

Emma Cline's The Guest follows a 22-year-old woman named Alex who is spending the summer in the Hamptons with her older, wealthy boyfriend Simon, but her precarious lifestyle leads to a series of mistakes that cause Simon to send her away. Alex tries to find ways to stay in the Hamptons, maneuvering through various social situations and encountering new characters, all while avoiding the dangerous Dom from the city. The novel delves into themes of survival, self-sabotage, resilience, and manipulation. This guide contains references to substance-use disorder, suicidal ideation, and self-harm.

Mysterious / Suspenseful / Dark / Unnerving / Contemplative

- Emma Cline's The Guest was published in 2023 and quickly made it to several bestseller lists, highlighting her continued popularity since the success of her debut novel, The Girls.
- Before writing The Guest, Emma Cline wrote a short story titled "What Can You Do with a General," which was considered a thematic precursor to this novel, showcasing her interest in exploring complex interpersonal dynamics.
- The novel is set against a summery backdrop, effectively capturing the anticipation and languor of late summer, reminiscent of the atmospheric settings in some of her earlier works.

Emma Cline

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Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Guest and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Guest Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Guest Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

The Guest Chapters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

The Guest Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-9

The Guest Chapters 7-9 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 10-11

The Guest Chapters 10-11 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Guest Character Analysis

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Themes

The Guest Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Guest Symbols & Motifs

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Essay Topics

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The Guest

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Who Should Read The Guest?

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