The Beginner’s Goodbye
by Anne Tyler
The Beginner's Goodbye by Anne Tyler holds a well received rating of 3.58 out of 5, based on 12.8K reader ratings. First published in 2012. The book spans 198 pages.
About The Beginner's Goodbye
Anne Tyler gives us a wise, haunting, and deeply moving new novel in which she explores how a middle-aged man, ripped apart by the death of his wife, is gradually restored by her frequent appearances—in their house, on the roadway, in the market. Crippled in his right arm and leg, Aaron spent his childhood fending off a sister who wants to manage him. So when he meets Dorothy, a plain, outspoken, self-dependent young woman, she is like a breath of fresh air. Unhesitatingly he marries her, and they have a relatively happy, unremarkable marriage. But when a tree crashes into their house and Dorothy is killed, Aaron feels as though he has been erased forever. Only Dorothy’s unexpected appearances from the dead help him to live in the moment and to find some peace. Gradually he discovers, as he works in the family’s vanity-publishing business, turning out titles that presume to guide beginners through the trials of life, that maybe for this beginner there is a way of saying goodbye. A beautiful, subtle exploration of loss and recovery, pierced throughout with Anne Tyler’s humor, wisdom, and always penetrating look at human foibles.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | Anne Tyler |
| Published | 2012 |
| Pages | 198 |
| Genres | Fiction, Fiction, Chick-lit, Romance, Fantasy |
| Average Rating | 3.58 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 12,780 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is The Beginner's Goodbye?
The Beginner's Goodbye is categorized as Fiction, Fiction, Chick-lit, Romance. Its primary genre classification is Romance.
Is The Beginner's Goodbye worth reading?
Based on 12.8K reader ratings, The Beginner's Goodbye has an average score of 3.58 out of 5.00, which is considered "Well Received."
How many pages is The Beginner's Goodbye?
The Beginner's Goodbye has 198 pages. It is a relatively quick read.
Who wrote The Beginner's Goodbye?
The Beginner's Goodbye was written by Anne Tyler. It was first published in 2012.
What is the ISBN for The Beginner's Goodbye?
The ISBN-13 for The Beginner's Goodbye is 9780307957280.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 15, 2026
