"Some Luck" is a novel by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jane Smiley. The book is the first in a trilogy and follows the Langdon family from 1920 to 1953. The Langdons are an Iowa farming family, and the story explores their lives as they navigate through the ups and downs of American history, including the Great Depression, World War II, and the post-war era.
The novel is structured around the birth of the Langdons' first child, Frank, and each chapter covers one year in the family's life. As the years go by, the family members face challenges and opportunities, and their individual stories are woven into a larger narrative about the changing face of America during this period. The book explores themes of family, identity, and the American Dream, and paints a vivid picture of rural life in the Midwest.
"Some Luck" received critical acclaim upon its release and was praised for its nuanced characters and rich historical detail. The book was a finalist for the 2014 Kirkus Prize and was named one of the best books of the year by numerous publications, including The New York Times and The Washington Post.