A Map of The World: Summary and book reviews of A Map of The World by Jane Hamilton, plus links to an excerpt from A Map of The World and a biography of Jane Hamilton.

From the author of the widely acclaimed The Book of Ruth comes a harrowing, heartbreaking drama about a rural American family and a disastrous event that forever changes their lives. The Goodwins, Howard, Alice, and their little girls, Emma and Claire, live on a dairy farm in Wisconsin. Although suspiciously regarded by their neighbors as "that hippie couple" because of their well-educated, urban background, Howard and Alice believe they have found a source of emotional strength in the farm, he tending the barn while Alice works as a nurse in the local elementary school. But their peaceful life is shattered one day when a neighbor's two-year-old daughter drowns in the Goodwins' pond while under Alice's care. Tormented by the accident, Alice descends even further into darkness when she is accused of sexually abusing of a student at the elementary school. Soon, Alice is arrested, incarcerated, and as good as convicted in the eyes of a suspicious community. As a child, Alice designed her own map of the world to find her bearings. Now, as an adult, she must find her way again, through a maze of lies, doubt and ill will. A vivid human drama of guilt and betrayal, A Map of the World chronicles the intricate geographies of the human heart and all its mysterious, uncharted terrain. The result is a piercing drama about family bonds and a disappearing rural American life. This book was first published in 1994. It was republished in 1999 after being selected by Oprah Winfrey for her Book of the Month Club.

Media Reviews

The New York Times Ms. Hamilton has done a nimble job of showing us how precarious the illusion of safety and security really is.   The New York Times Ms. Hamilton has done a nimble job of showing us how precarious the illusion of safety and security really is.   San Francisco Chronicle Jane Hamilton has removed all doubts that she belongs among the major writers of our time.   Entertainment Weekly Stunning prose and unforgettable characters . . . an enthralling tale of guilt, betrayal, and the terrifying ways our lives can spin out of control. -   The Washington Post Hamilton's chillingly accurate prose keeps her fine novel buoyant. She is superb in her observation of the natural world and in her examination of psychological nuance.   Newsweek It takes a writer of rare power and discipline to carry off an achievement like A Map of the World. Hamilton proves here that she is one of the best.

Recent Reader Reviews

Rated of 5 by Darcy
Surprisingly uplifting
I nearly didn't read this book due to the summaries that called it "harrowing" and "dark" which are book types I tend to avoid. I am so glad I gave it a chance because it absolutely moved me. I felt challenged to think in a...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Rosemary
One long Summer
The story was so real that it kept you reading to find out what happens next. The story was a sad one to read, but the people in the story gave life to the everyday happenings in small town neighborhoods.

Rated of 5 by Midwest/coast woman/mother/friend
2 many omissions
Perhaps I read to much non-fiction, but the description of daily life lacks the acknowledgment of required survival skills just to live in Wisconsin. The story feels contrived and my feelings manipulated. Really I don't want to sound harsh,...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Tim
A map of the world - Quick pointform review
Pros: Plot surrounds something very unfortunately real and allows most readers to relate and become emotionally involved. Characters (main) are likeable are well presented Cons: Excessive 'filler'. The book could have dropped 60 pages...   Read More

Rated of 5 by Cassie
This book is a work of art. It was very enjoyable to read and I often couldn't put it down. Hamilton is an amazing writer.

Rated of 5 by Peter D. Haight
I've only just started this book; however, I can tell that like any exceptional art it is "a spiritual message among people".

...2 More Reader Reviews

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