37 pages 1 hour read

Sigrid Nunez

The Friend

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

The Friend by Sigrid Nunez explores the grief and personal transformation of an unnamed narrator after her friend, a male writer and mentor, dies by suicide. She inherits his Great Dane, Apollo, and despite building regulations against pets, forms a deep, healing bond with the dog, reflecting on love, loss, and the complexities of her relationship with her deceased friend. The narrative shifts between first and third person, ultimately revealing that the story we've been reading is within a novel that mirrors the author's own experiences. The book addresses the devastating impact of a friend's suicide and the narrator's emotional journey through her bond with the dog.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Sigrid Nunez's The Friend is praised for its poignant exploration of grief, enriched by a deep bond between the narrator and a Great Dane. The narrative's introspective style and emotional depth resonate with readers, though some find the prose meandering and detached. Overall, it’s considered a heartfelt meditation on loss and companionship.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Friend?

"The Friend" by Sigrid Nunez will captivate readers who appreciate introspective narratives on grief, companionship, and the healing power of animals. Fans of "The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein and "A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman will find a similar emotional depth and poignant storytelling.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Themes

Relationships: Friendship

Emotions/Behavior: Grief

Topics

Animals

Genre

Modern Classic Fiction