The Friend
Back of the Book
When a woman unexpectedly loses her lifelong best friend and mentor, she finds herself burdened with the unwanted dog he has left behind. Her own battle against grief is intensified by the mute suffering of the dog, a huge Great Dane traumatized by the inexplicable disappearance of its master, and by the threat of eviction: dogs are prohibited in her apartment building.
While others worry that grief has made her a victim of magical thinking, the woman refuses to be separated from the dog except for brief periods of time. Isolated from the rest of the world, increasingly obsessed with the dog's care, determined to read its mind and fathom its heart, she comes dangerously close to unraveling. But while troubles abound, rich and surprising rewards lie in store for both of them.
Why You Should Read It
Often cited as one of the most deeply moving books of the past few years, Sigrid Nunez’s The Friend is an anxious and humorous meditation on the enduring love of a dog and how we mirror our devotions similarly. When our protagonist loses her best friend of years and is left to care for his grieving Great Dane. The relationship of the two grieving creatures entangles in unimaginable ways, and Nunez finds a way to reflect the all too human grief of loss through the questioning and mysterious grief of the loyal animal. While the story does ultimately follow the familiar narrative pathway to unravelling, Nunez’s eerie sensitivity to the various processes of grief and progression between species, and meditations of the act of translating grief between species create a narrative that is wholly unique, and incomparable to others that seem to be of its kind.
Memorable Passage
Consider rereading, how risky it is, especially when the book is one that you loved. Always the chance that it won't hold up, that you might, for whatever reason, not love it as much. When this happens, and to me it happens all the time (and more and more as I get older), the effect is so disheartening that I now open old favorites warily.
About the Author
Sigrid Nunez is a distinguished American author whose literary work is characterized by its intellectual depth, introspective exploration, and keen observations on the human experience. Born in 1951, Nunez has crafted a notable career marked by a diverse range of novels and essays. She gained widespread acclaim for her novel The Friend, which won the National Book Award for Fiction in 2018. Nunez's writing often delves into themes of love, loss, and the intricacies of human relationships, demonstrating a profound understanding of the emotional complexities that define our lives. Her ability to blend insightful prose with a contemplative and meditative tone sets her apart as a writer whose work resonates with readers on a deep and personal level. Sigrid Nunez is worth knowing for her literary craftsmanship, her thought-provoking exploration of contemporary issues, and her unique voice that adds richness to the landscape of contemporary American literature.
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