The Tales of the City - 2: Back to Barbary Lane

More about the book

By turns hilarious and heartbreaking, Armistead Maupin's bestselling Tales of the City novels—collected in this second omnibus volume—offer an incomparable blend of storytelling and incisive social commentary on American culture from the seventies through the early 2000s. Tearing through these tales allows for instant gratification and showcases Maupin's masterful construction of a vibrant world. His uproarious and moving narratives have carved a unique niche in American literature, serving as indelible documents of cultural change during this period. Back to Barbary Lane comprises the second omnibus of the series, featuring Babycakes (1984), Significant Others (1987), and Sure of You (1989). This volume continues the saga of the tenants of Mrs. Madrigal's beloved apartment house on Russian Hill. While the first trilogy celebrated the carefree excesses of the seventies, this installment explores the challenges faced by its hapless, all-too-human cast during the tumultuous eighties—a decade marked by plague, deceit, and ambition. Like its companion volumes, Back to Barbary Lane is noted for its sharp and engaging dialogue, which has been praised as some of the most memorable in literature. Maupin’s work has garnered critical acclaim globally and captivated legions of devoted fans.