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68 pages 2 hours read

Drinking: A Love Story

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1996

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Book Brief

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Caroline Knapp

Drinking: A Love Story

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 1996
Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Boston, Massachusetts • 1990s

Theme
Publication Year

1996

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Drinking: A Love Story is Caroline Knapp’s 1997 memoir about her alcoholism and recovery. Knapp examines how her relationship with alcohol turned into a dangerous love affair that threatened to destroy her life. She also explores important aspects of her family life and romantic relationships, both of which contributed to her addiction and were impeded by her drinking.

Melancholic

Emotional

Dark

Contemplative

Informative

Reviews & Readership

4.3

23,352 ratings

78%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Caroline Knapp's Drinking: A Love Story is a compelling memoir that offers a poignant exploration of addiction, commendable for its raw honesty and introspective depth. While praised for its relatable prose and emotional resonance, some readers found the narrative repetitive and lacking broader perspective. Overall, it’s a powerful read that illuminates the complexities of alcoholism.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Drinking: A Love Story?

A reader who would enjoy Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp is likely interested in raw, introspective memoirs that explore personal struggle and recovery. Fans of Mary Karr's The Liar's Club or Jeanette Walls' The Glass Castle will find Knapp's honest, lyrical narrative compelling and relatable.

4.3

23,352 ratings

78%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Caroline Knapp

The author and narrator, an alcoholic who achieves sobriety after a long struggle and shares her journey through her personal experiences.

Caroline's father, a psychoanalyst and researcher, depicted as both emotionally detached and intensely incisive, impacting her life deeply.

Caroline's mother, an artist characterized by her gentleness and reserve, who expresses concern about Caroline's drinking.

Caroline's twin sister, known for her boldness and progress toward traditional life goals, who plays a significant role in Caroline's journey to sobriety.

An art dealer and Caroline's partner, whose cultured demeanor simultaneously attracts and challenges her, impacting her self-esteem.

A freelance illustrator and Caroline's partner who is kind and patient, contrasting with her previous relationship dynamics.

Caroline's neighbor, often seen as more stereotypically alcoholic, serving as a contrast to Caroline's own drinking behavior.

An organization that becomes a crucial support system for Caroline, helping her in her recovery process.

Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Boston, Massachusetts • 1990s

Theme
Publication Year

1996

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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