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Cover of The Corrections

Literary

The Corrections

by Jonathan Franzen

3.9 out of 5, from 303 ratings from Hardcover readers

An ageing couple in the American Midwest hope to gather their three grown children for one last Christmas at home. Each child is dealing with a private mess, and the father's health is failing.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
2001
Pace
Medium
Length
Long
Pages
676
Format
Standalone
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Read this if you like long, sharp family comedies that find the tragedy in everyday disappointments.

Skip this if you want sympathetic characters, since almost everyone here is difficult.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Mental illness
  • Infidelity

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Dementia
  • Drug use
  • Antisemitism
  • Grief
  • Racism
  • Alcohol
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Terminal illness
  • Self harm
  • Suicide attempt

Quick answers about The Corrections

What is The Corrections about?
An ageing couple in the American Midwest hope to gather their three grown children for one last Christmas at home. Each child is dealing with a private mess, and the father's health is failing.
Who should read The Corrections?
Read it if you like long, sharp family comedies that find the tragedy in everyday disappointments. Skip it if you want sympathetic characters, since almost everyone here is difficult.
How long and how fast is The Corrections?
It is a medium-paced, long read of about 676 pages, first published in 2001.
Does The Corrections have content warnings?
Content we flag: Mental illness, Infidelity.
Can I borrow The Corrections for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Corrections; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after The Corrections?
Readers who liked it often move on to The World According to Garp, Little Fires Everywhere, Demon Copperhead.

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