52 pages • 1 hour read
Katherine PatersonJacob Have I Loved
Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1980A 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
Jacob Have I Loved by Katherine Paterson is a 1940s coming-of-age novel about Sara Louise Bradshaw, a teenager navigating a difficult relationship with her twin sister Caroline on a crab-fishing island in Chesapeake Bay. Facing sibling rivalry and struggles with faith, Louise seeks her own identity and purpose while grappling with family and community expectations. The novel includes a depiction of a 14-year-old girl developing romantic feelings for an older man.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Katherine Paterson's Jacob Have I Loved is highly praised for its complex characters and emotional depth, exploring sibling rivalry and self-discovery. Critics appreciate its evocative prose and rich setting but note some predictable plot elements. Overall, the novel is lauded for its thoughtful and nuanced portrayal of adolescence.
Who Should Read Jacob Have I Loved?
Readers who relish coming-of-age tales with deep emotional journeys, such as in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee or A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, will appreciate Katherine Paterson's Jacob Have I Loved. This novel speaks to those who enjoy complex sibling dynamics and rich, introspective narratives.
RecommendedReading Age
12-16yearsLexile Level
880LBook Details
Historical Fiction
Coming of Age / Bildungsroman
Realistic Fiction
Emotions/Behavior: Forgiveness
Relationships: Siblings
Life/Time: Coming of Age
History: World