Real Life
329
Novel • Fiction
Midwestern University Campus • Contemporary
2020
Adult
18+ years
Brandon Taylor's novel Real Life follows a queer Black graduate student navigating complex relationships, racism, and emotional challenges in a predominantly white Midwestern university. The protagonist confronts personal trauma and isolation while seeking connection and understanding in both academic and social settings.
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Brandon Taylor's Real Life is widely praised for its rich prose and compelling portrayal of a Black, gay graduate student's life. Critics commend its emotional depth and nuanced exploration of race, sexuality, and trauma. Some find the pacing slow and the protagonist's introspection overwhelming, but it remains a powerful debut with a resonant voice.
Readers who appreciate complex character studies and intricate emotional landscapes will enjoy Real Life by Brandon Taylor. Comparable to works like Normal People by Sally Rooney and A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara, this novel delves into academia, identity, and interpersonal tension.
37,462 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Real Life by Brandon Taylor was a finalist for the 2020 Booker Prize, marking it as one of the most esteemed novels of that year.
The story’s exploration of the life of a Black gay doctoral student draws significantly from Taylor’s own experiences in the field of biochemistry and highlights the complexity of navigating identity in predominantly white academic spaces.
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Brandon Taylor is also known for his work as a staff writer at Literary Hub, where he contributes essays and cultural criticism, further showcasing his diverse literary talents beyond fiction writing.
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329
Novel • Fiction
Midwestern University Campus • Contemporary
2020
Adult
18+ years
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