bildungsroman

/ˈbɪldʊŋzroʊˌmɑn/
noun
  1. A novel or story that focuses on the moral, psychological, and social development of the main character from youth to adulthood.
    • Her favorite bildungsroman is 'The Catcher in the Rye,' which captures the confusion of adolescence.
    • Many classic novels like 'To Kill a Mockingbird' are considered a bildungsroman because they follow a young person's journey to maturity.
    • The book club chose a bildungsroman for next month, hoping to discuss the main character's growth through difficult experiences.
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