49 pages • 1 hour read
Richard PowersThe Echo Maker
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2006A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Echo Maker by Richard Powers is a psychological mystery thriller that follows Mark Schluter as he grapples with Capgras syndrome, a delusional condition caused by a traumatic brain injury which leads him to believe his sister Karin is an impostor. As they navigate this complex reality, deeper questions about memory, identity, and reality surface, with intertwined lives revealing shared struggles and connections. The novel addresses issues related to addiction, mental health conditions, and brain injury.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Richard Powers' The Echo Maker has been praised for its intricate exploration of identity and consciousness, weaving a compelling narrative with scientific themes. Critics commend the rich character development and thought-provoking questions. However, some find the pacing uneven and the scientific discussions occasionally dense. Overall, a stimulating read.
Who Should Read The Echo Maker?
Readers who appreciate deeply psychological and scientifically complex narratives, much like those in Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro or Still Alice by Lisa Genova, will find The Echo Maker by Richard Powers compelling. This book is ideal for fans of intricate character studies and themes of memory and identity intertwined with a touch of neuroscience.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Psychological Fiction
Mystery / Crime Fiction
American Literature
Psychology
Emotions/Behavior: Memory
Natural World: Environment
Self Discovery