Cover of Angle of repose

Book · 1971 · Grandparents in fiction

Angle of repose

by Wallace Stegner · Recommended by 5 people on 2 podcasts

Why people recommend it

Angle of repose by Wallace Stegner is a sweeping historical fiction novel that follows a retired historian confined to a wheelchair who researches his grandparents' lives on the American frontier. On The Book Review podcast, contributor Greg Coles mentioned that he was reading the novel, describing it as a massive family epic set during the frontier days. Host Pamela Paul later discussed the title with guest A.O. Scott, noting that the work is widely considered a critical and commercial masterpiece alongside Stegner's other writings. Paul highlighted that the novel often defines the author's literary reputation, prompting a broader conversation about his narrative style. Additionally, David Perell brought up the book on the How I Write podcast when discussing letter-based literature and the intimate framing devices used within the narrative, expressing admiration for the author's stylistic choices and historical depth.

Who recommended it

Pamela Paul — 2 mentions
Discussed
“Wallace star feels like in many people's minds like a tiar below that people know of Wallace stegner they know the title usually angle of repose and cring to safety both books that sold very well as in addition to being critical successes”
Discussed
“but perhaps he gets that reputation most of all from angle of repose tell us about that book”
Greg Coles — 1 mention
Discussed
“that is Wallace stagner and I'm reading what's considered his Masterpiece angle of repose which is a big kind of family epic set in the frontier days”
Greg Cowles — 1 mention
Discussed
“which book is that angle Repose angle Repose exactly which is”
Nicole Lamey — 1 mention
Discussed
“angle of her POS by Wallace stegner the site Saga and Elena fante as well as of course war in peace”
David Perell — 1 mention
Discussed
“That Walt Stegner book, Angle of Repose. I haven't heard of it. Oh, man. Same thing. It's based on letters. They're so nice.”

Also mentioned in the same episodes

Other mentions (2: passing, ad reads, own books)
Passing
“well I got sidetracked a little after I finished Wallace stegner's angle of repose”
Passing
“I had only read one book by stagner which was probably the book that everyone reads angle of repose and I read it back in my 20s”