Study Guide: The Tiger’s Wife by Téa Obreht

by SuperSummary

SuperSummary publishes high quality study guides for contemporary works of literature. Our study guides are all written by current and former English professors with PhDs or Masters degrees in English Literature. This study guide on The Tiger's Wife by Tea Obreht includes detailed chapter summaries and analysis, analysis of major characters, themes/motifs/symbols, top 25 quotes, and essay questions.

Genres: Fiction, War, Death

48 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 2, 2015

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Reviews

[Cinda MacKinnon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Tiger’s Wife is set in the former Yugoslavia in the period before and after the Serbo-Croatian War, but it was difficult to tell which “side” was which. That could have been intentional, however it seems a missed opportunity for a history lesson (for those of us in need of one). The main character, Natalia, is a doctor who comes to work at an orphanage. Her grandfather has just died and the main plot comprises why he leaves his home when he is too ill to travel. I was frustrated by having to follow the number of side stories – fables really – but in the end Obrecht managed to tie them together in a satisfying conclusion.
It is an imaginative work by a good writer, but it was a bit slow for me.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very unique story that weaves traditional beliefs and superstition with reality, set in postwar Yugoslavia. Fascinating.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

Natalia is a Doctor in war torn Yugoslavia who was raised in a home with her Grandfather, Grandmother and Mother. She was very close to her Grandfather and they had their rituals, one of which was a weekly trip to the zoo to visit the tiger. Their her grandfather would tell her the tail of The Tiger's Wife. Natalia's grandfather, a doctor himself, has recently passed away and the story goes back and forth between present day and Natalia's rememberances of the fables her grandfather told her as a child. Natalia is trying to come to terms with her Grandfathers death and ferret out how much of his stories were simply fairy tales and how much of them were true.

I really enjoyed this story, especially the Grandfathers backstory and the story of the Deathless Man.

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so beautifully written that I could barely bring myself to put it down when I had to do so. I've just finished it and find myself at a bit of a loss. What do I do now? Well, first, put the book aside to reread, of course.

[Judy Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rich tapestry with the title story and then many stories within that story. I loved it. I loved the superstitions. I loved the characters. Such a brilliant first novel.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

There were some things that I liked about this book, and some that I didn't. Although it was easy to understand, I got bored with parts, and had to force myself to finish the book. I was very intrigued about grandpa's fascination with the tiger and also Natalia's relationship with her grandfather. The story of the deadless man was strange, but fun, so that was probably my favorite part. I am still not sure though, if it's Natalia or the grandfather who sees him at the end, although I think it's Natalia? Although I understand the custom, I was disappointed to not find out what was in the grandfather's bag, too.

[Ann Rodgers · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a suffering from the flu as I was reading this book and sometimes I kept wondering what it had to to with the Tiger's Wife. I finally got it near the end. As far as the magical realism goes, I was able to understand it in the context of a folktale easier than some other magical realism so I enjoyed that. It is a book that I think in a year or so I will have to go back and reread to make sure I got all of it. The book club is meeting tomorrow so I'll see what everyone else has to say.

[Deborah Lambert · Rating 3 out of 5]

I appreciated the stories within the frame of tracing the grandfather's tale, their mystery and woe.

[Karla · Rating 2 out of 5]

intriguing so far. I have no idea where this story is going.

[Lady Drinkwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

As often happens with much hyped books I was a little disappointed by this, but only a little. I think this was because there were several narratives going on at the same time and interspersed with each other. The stories of the tigers wife and the undead man grabbed my attention more than those concerning the narrator and I therefore tended to scim through the latter It all came to a very satisfying conclusion though.

[Laura Alley Dietrich · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I were either a deeper reader, or had read this with a group. Rather than actually experiencing and exploring the many levels of this novel, I could only go by feel and imagination. It was a lovely story of many discoveries. The language was so lyrical and intelligent that I would happily read another novel by this author.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mysterious and melancholy story set in contemporary post war eastern Europe that weaves folklore of the past and its imact on the present. I did not think I was going to finish this book but was compelled to continue reading because of the powerful story telling of the author. I recommend this book, and look forward to reading more from Tea Obreht.

[Kathleen Blake · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed it but did have to read it twice and check out some reviews to get clarification on a few things. Even did my book club program on it adding background on folklore and deceased folklorist Alan Dundes.

[Louise Fullerton · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has the feel of old world tales with a more current story line running through it. It is an impressive first novel. The author is only 27, but she draws you into the story and writes well. We read it for our book group. I'm looking forward to the discussion.

[Matti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ihan uskomaton kirja ja varsinkin kirjottaja, siis 25 vuotias, naispuolinen Kjell Westö! Ekat 20 sivua oli epäilyttävää, mutta siitä eteenpäin parani koko ajan. Tosi kypsää ja taitavaa tekstiä, nautinto lukea.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this immensely complex, beautifully written novel the line between fantasy and reality are blurred. It takes us beneath the complexities of the Balkan wars to the truths that myths can tell. When it came out in 2010 it was on the list of the ten best books of the year on all the important lists.

[LibraryLady · Rating 3 out of 5]

I"m actually listening to the audio and the reader's accent combined with the author's words lull me into the story.

[Adhy · Rating 4 out of 5]

i'm so glad to read this book, such as World on my hand.

[Jminniswebb · Rating 1 out of 5]

After all the hype, I was disappointed. A struggle to get through.

[Liz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Tough story the follow as the story has disjointed albiet interesting sub-stories. One perservers in hopes of a spectacular ending which does not occur.

[Jeanne Anderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too literary for my taste.

Felt like I was reading an example of a fable/allegory for an English class.

Had no plot and did not develop character so that you cared about anyone or anything.

[Karla · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will write my review post-Book Club.

[Lisa Pilar]

I couldn't finish this book. Very boring.

[Dd Penners · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was disjointed and didn't really connect with anyone in our book club.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing read, enjoyed the prose, Thanks Nerida.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obreht is an interesting young author. The work itself is astounding in the way a debut novel can be, very curious to finish my reading and then form an opinion.

[Jeannie Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her first book, and it is a good one. Describes the almost primeval superstitions of eastern Europe.

[Douglas · Rating 4 out of 5]

She is a terrific stylist. I am not finished. Enjoying very much.

[Jean · Rating 3 out of 5]

interesting book. i would recomend but there is a lot of swearing in it. so reader beware

[Sara Walters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ok