55 pages • 1 hour read
Wallace StegnerThe Spectator Bird
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1976A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Spectator Bird by Wallace Stegner follows retiree Joe Allston as he reflects on his past, spurred by a postcard from a Danish friend, which leads him to revisit a journal from a trip to Denmark with his wife Ruth after their son's death. They encounter a destitute countess, Astrid, and uncover dark family secrets involving genetics and predation, prompting Joe to confront his own regrets and reaffirm his love for Ruth. The book includes references to suicide, rape, incest, and eugenics.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Spectator Bird by Wallace Stegner is praised for its eloquent prose and deep exploration of aging and memory. Positive reviews highlight the rich character development and reflective narrative. However, some critics find the pacing slow and the storyline less engaging. Overall, it offers a profound, if occasionally meandering, meditation on life's later years.
Who Should Read The Spectator Bird?
Readers who enjoy reflective, character-driven narratives like Stoner by John Williams or Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner will appreciate The Spectator Bird. It appeals to those keen on introspective explorations of memory, aging, and identity, framed within rich, lyrical prose and evocative storytelling.