The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles follows Emmett Watson, newly released from a juvenile detention center, who, along with his younger brother Billy, plans to start anew in California. However, their journey is sidetracked when two former inmates, Duchess and Woolly, join them, leading to an unexpected cross-country adventure filled with moral conflicts and a quest for redemption. The book includes pervasive physical violence, emotional abuse, and depictions of suicide.

Amor Towles' The Lincoln Highway captivates readers with its richly detailed prose and well-developed characters. The novel’s exploration of friendship and adventure receives high praise, though some find its pace sluggish. A mix of poignant moments and weaving narratives, the book’s complexity may challenge some but is largely seen as a rewarding read.

Readers who enjoyed A Gentleman in Moscow or Rules of Civility will be captivated by The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles. Ideal for those who appreciate richly drawn characters, historical settings, and a narrative journey reminiscent of John Steinbeck's East of Eden. Fans of literary fiction and engaging, multilayered plots will find this book compelling.

Adventurous / Nostalgic / Heartwarming / Bittersweet / Contemplative

Amor Towles

Adult

Novel

Fiction

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Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Lincoln Highway reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Lincoln Highway | SuperSummary

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Overview

Get ready to explore The Lincoln Highway and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Lincoln Highway Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1: “Ten”

Part 1 The Lincoln Highway Part 1 Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Nine” 

Part 2 The Lincoln Highway Part 2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3: “Eight”

Part 3 The Lincoln Highway Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Part 4: “Seven”

Part 4 The Lincoln Highway Part 4 Summary & Analysis

Part 5: “Six”

Part 5 The Lincoln Highway Part 5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6: “Five”

Part 6 The Lincoln Highway Part 6 Summary & Analysis

Part 7: “Four”

Part 7 The Lincoln Highway Part 7 Summary & Analysis

Part 8: “Three”

Part 8 The Lincoln Highway Part 8 Summary & Analysis

Part 9: “Two”

Part 9 The Lincoln Highway Part 9 Summary & Analysis

Part 10: “One”

Part 10 The Lincoln Highway Part 10 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Lincoln Highway Character Analysis

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Themes

The Lincoln Highway Themes

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The Lincoln Highway Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Lincoln Highway Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Lincoln Highway Essay Topics

The Lincoln Highway

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