49 pages • 1 hour read
Adrienne BrodeurLittle Monsters
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023A 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
Little Monsters by Adrienne Brodeur is a modernized Cain and Abel story set on Cape Cod, focusing on aging marine biologist Adam Gardner and his adult children, Ken and Abby. As Adam grapples with bipolar disorder and unravels family secrets, Abby confronts childhood traumas and Ken faces the consequences of his ambition. The siblings' relationships deteriorate amidst discoveries of past abuse and hidden paternity, ultimately testing their resilience and familial bonds. This work discusses incest, molestation, and sexualization of minors, and includes portrayals of mental illness, alcohol abuse, and terminal cancer.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Adrienne Brodeur's Little Monsters captivates with its complex family dynamics and vivid Cape Cod setting. Critics praised its intricate character development and emotional depth. However, some felt the narrative pacing lagged. Overall, Brodeur's exploration of familial bonds and secrets proved compelling, despite occasional structural flaws.
Who Should Read Little Monsters?
A reader who enjoys Little Monsters by Adrienne Brodeur likely appreciates complex family dramas and intricate character studies. Fans of Celeste Ng's Everything I Never Told You and Ann Patchett's The Dutch House will find this novel compelling for its emotional depth and multifaceted relationships.