52 pages • 1 hour read
Grace MetaliousPeyton Place
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1956A 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
Peyton Place by Grace Metalious, published in 1956, delves into the lives of the residents of a small New England town, exposing the hidden scandals and complex interpersonal relationships that shape their community. Central characters Allison Mackenzie and Selena Cross navigate societal judgment and personal trauma, as the story explores themes of secrecy, resilience, and identity. Topics include rape, incest, suicide, and abortion.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Grace Metalious's Peyton Place has prompted mixed reactions. Positively, critics commend its honesty and daring portrayal of small-town hypocrisy and hidden desires. However, detractors criticize the writing style as sensationalist and the character development as uneven. Overall, it remains a groundbreaking, controversial work that captures the complexities of societal norms.
Who Should Read Peyton Place?
Readers who relish the scandal-laden dynamics of small-town life depicted in works like The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough or East of Eden by John Steinbeck would enjoy Peyton Place. Fans of mid-20th-century American drama with complex, flawed characters and social commentary will find this novel compelling.