BOOK BRIEF

Rich Man, Poor Man

Irwin Shaw
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Rich Man, Poor Man

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1978

Book Brief

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Irwin Shaw

Rich Man, Poor Man

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1978
Book Details
Pages

666

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Port Phillip, New York • 1940s

Theme
Publication Year

1978

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Irwin Shaw’s Rich Man, Poor Man explores the lives of the Jordache siblings after World War II. The narrative follows their divergent paths—one seeking wealth and the other struggling with adversity—as they navigate personal and societal challenges across decades.

Reviews & Readership

4.4

39,857 ratings

79%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Rich Man, Poor Man by Irwin Shaw is praised for its captivating narrative and deep character development, especially in portraying the contrasting lives of the Jordache siblings. Reviewers highlight its timeless themes of ambition and familial conflict. Critics note, however, that its pacing can be uneven and some subplots feel underdeveloped. Overall, it's a compelling multigenerational saga.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Rich Man, Poor Man?

Readers who enjoy rich, multigenerational sagas with complex characters and family dynamics, such as those found in Jeffrey Archer's Kane and Abel or John Jakes' North and South, will find Rich Man, Poor Man by Irwin Shaw captivating. The novel's exploration of ambition, love, and societal change appeals to fans of intricate, character-driven narratives.

4.4

39,857 ratings

79%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Rich Man, Poor Man was adapted into one of the first successful American television miniseries in 1976, becoming a significant cultural reference point at the time.

The novel was notable for its portrayal of post-World War II American life, offering a detailed panorama of the country's social change through the lives of its characters.

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Irwin Shaw, already an established playwright and screenwriter, expanded his literary reach with Rich Man, Poor Man, demonstrating his versatility in crossing different narrative forms.

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Book Details
Pages

666

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Port Phillip, New York • 1940s

Theme
Publication Year

1978

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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