The Tiger's Wife
In 'The Tiger's Wife', a girl named Natalia embarks on a poignant journey to understand her grandfather's mysterious death and the stories he left behind. Set against the backdrop of a war-torn Balkan country, the narrative intertwines folklore with the harshness of reality. As she uncovers the legend of the tiger's wife, Natalia grapples with themes of loss, love, and the legacy of war. The novel blends magical realism with a deeply personal quest, leaving readers questioning the nature of truth and memory. Who was the tiger's wife, and what secrets did her story hold that could change everything?
By Téa Obreht
Published: 2011
""We all live in the stories we create, whether they are truths or myths, and in those stories, we find our connection to those we love and the world around us.""
Start Listening
What Readers Say About This Book
Struggling to understand why her beloved grandfather left his family to die alone in a field hospital far from home, a young doctor in a war-torn Balkan country takes over her grandfather's search for a mythical ageless vagabond while referring to a worn copy of Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book. A first novel. 18,000 first printing.
The Mike & Casey Show
Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts
Key Points from The Tiger's Wife
About the Author
Téa Obreht
Téa Obreht is an acclaimed author known for her lyrical prose and rich storytelling. Born in 1985 in the former Yugoslavia, she immigrated to the United States at a young age. Her debut novel, "The Tiger's Wife," won the Orange Prize for Fiction in 2011 and was a finalist for the National Book Award, receiving widespread critical acclaim for its exploration of themes such as war, memory, and the intersection of myth and reality. Obreht's second novel, "Inland," further establishes her as a unique voice in contemporary literature, intertwining historical and fantastical elements with deep character exploration. Drawing inspiration from her diverse cultural background, her works often blend the magical realism of her heritage with a keen understanding of human emotion, earning her a place among the leading literary talents of her generation.
Book Details
Key information about the book.
- Authors
- Téa Obreht
- Published
- January 2011
- Publisher
- Random House Incorporated
- ISBN
- 0385343833
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 354
- Genres
- Magical RealismHistorical FictionFictionLiterature
Purchase Options
Buy on Amazon
Buy via BookShopSupport local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!
Similar books you might like →
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings
Maya Angelou
One Hundred Years of Solitude
Gabriel Garcia Marquez
The System of the World
Neal Stephenson
The City We Became
N. K. Jemisin
Cat's Cradle
Kurt Vonnegut
If on a Winter's Night a Traveller
Italo Calvino
Lincoln in the Bardo
George Saunders
A Million Little Pieces
James Frey
Showing 8 of 18 similar books
Take your reading experience to the next level
Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.
Book Collections you might like →
Douglas Murray's Book Recommendations
Douglas Murray is a renowned British author, journalist, and political commentator known for his incisive works on contemporary political and social issues. He gained significant acclaim with his book "The Strange Death of Europe: Immigration, Identity, Islam," which critically examines the impact of mass migration and cultural change in Europe. Murray is also the author of "The Madness of Crowds: Gender, Race and Identity," where he explores the complexities and consequences of identity politics. As an associate editor at The Spectator, he regularly contributes thought-provoking articles on global affairs and cultural debates. His eloquent and often controversial perspectives have made him a prominent voice in modern discourse.
View Collection
Cal Fussman's Book Recommendations
Cal Fussman is a journalist, author, and podcast host known for his long-form interviews with world leaders, celebrities, and business icons. Fussman gained prominence through his work at Esquire magazine, where he wrote the “What I’ve Learned” column, capturing the wisdom and life lessons of influential people. He is also the host of Big Questions, a podcast where he engages guests in deep, thoughtful conversations about life and success. Fussman’s interview style is marked by his curiosity and ability to draw out meaningful insights from his subjects. His work has earned him a reputation as one of the best interviewers of his generation.
View Collection
Danielle Teller's Book Recommendations
Danielle Teller is a distinguished author and physician known for her insightful exploration of relationships and personal growth in her literary works. She has co-authored the acclaimed novel "All the Ever Afters," a reimagining of the Cinderella story from the perspective of the stepmother, which has garnered praise for its inventive narrative and rich character development. Alongside her literary pursuits, Teller is a practicing physician with a background in critical care medicine, bringing a unique depth of empathy and understanding to her storytelling. Her works often blend her medical expertise with her talent for weaving compelling, emotionally resonant tales. Teller's contributions to literature are marked by her ability to challenge traditional narratives and offer fresh perspectives on well-known stories.
View Collection
Caterina Fake's Book Recommendations
Caterina Fake is an American entrepreneur and investor, best known for co-founding Flickr, one of the first photo-sharing platforms that helped define social media and web 2.0. After the success of Flickr, Fake went on to co-found Hunch, a recommendation engine that was later acquired by eBay. She is a partner at Yes VC, a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups, with a focus on companies that foster human connection and creativity. Fake is also an advocate for ethical technology and often speaks about the importance of designing products that prioritize user well-being. Her contributions to tech and her insights on the intersection of technology and culture have made her a respected leader in the industry.
View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations
Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.
View Collection
Oprah Winfrey's Book Recommendations
Oprah Winfrey is a globally renowned media mogul, talk show host, and philanthropist. She gained fame through her groundbreaking talk show, "The Oprah Winfrey Show," which ran for 25 years and became one of the highest-rated programs in television history. Winfrey has significantly impacted literature through her influential book club, Oprah's Book Club, which has propelled numerous books to bestseller status and fostered a love of reading across diverse audiences. She is also the author of several books, including her memoir "The Life You Want," and has contributed to numerous inspirational and self-help publications. Beyond her literary contributions, Winfrey has been a powerful advocate for education and empowerment, founding the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls in South Africa.
View Collection
Derek Sivers's Book Recommendations
Derek Sivers is an entrepreneur, author, and founder of CD Baby, one of the first online platforms that allowed independent musicians to sell their music directly to fans. Sivers is known for his unconventional approach to business and life, advocating for simplicity, focus, and self-reliance. After selling CD Baby, Sivers has become a sought-after speaker and writer, sharing insights on entrepreneurship, creativity, and personal development. His books, including Anything You Want, provide practical advice for living a meaningful, purpose-driven life. Sivers’ minimalist and thoughtful approach has made him a respected figure in the entrepreneurial community.
View Collection
Gretchen Rubin's Book Recommendations
Gretchen Rubin is a bestselling author and happiness expert, best known for her books The Happiness Project and Better Than Before. She explores the science of habits, happiness, and human behavior, helping readers improve their everyday lives. Gretchen’s popular podcast, Happier with Gretchen Rubin, offers practical advice and personal anecdotes to cultivate a more joyful and meaningful life. Her work emphasizes small, daily changes that can lead to long-term well-being. She continues to be a sought-after speaker on topics of happiness and habit formation.
View CollectionShowing 8 of 13 related collections
“"We all live in the stories we create, whether they are truths or myths, and in those stories, we find our connection to those we love and the world around us."”
The Tiger's Wife
By Téa Obreht
Frequently Asked Questions
Explore Our Catalogue
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.