Wayward

Why people recommend it

Wayward by Dana Spiotta is a contemporary novel exploring family dynamics and midlife transitions. The book received prominent discussion on The Book Review in July 2024. During an episode titled Talking About the 10 Best Books of 2021, Elizabeth Egan shared her personal enthusiasm for the novel, highlighting it as an exceptional title outside of official roundups. In another episode from that month, titled An Outsider Finds Suspense in Hollywood, critic Parul Sehgal introduced the novel, noting that she had reviewed it and expressing deep admiration for Spiotta as a novelist whose writing she genuinely enjoys reading. Furthermore, in an episode titled Dana Spiotta Talks About Wayward, host Pamela Paul spoke directly with the author. During their conversation, Paul asked Spiotta to pause and read an excerpt aloud to the listeners, bringing the prose directly to the audience. These mentions collectively emphasize the strong critical reception of the novel and the profound appreciation shared by reviewers and interviewers for Spiotta's literary craftsmanship, detailed character studies, and distinct narrative voice within contemporary American fiction.