37 pages • 1 hour read
The Friend
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Book Brief
224
Novel • Fiction
New York City • Contemporary
2018
Adult
18+ years
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.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Emotional
Heartwarming
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
53,074 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
53,074 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Deceased Friend
The Deceased Friend
An unnamed, accomplished British writer whose untimely death prompts the narrator to care for his Great Dane, Apollo; his life and mental health struggles impact those who knew him deeply.
The Woman
The Woman
She appears briefly but significantly as the creator of the novel’s story within a story, using the imaginary narrative to process her emotions and her friend's personal struggles.
Apollo
Apollo
A Great Dane initially owned by the deceased friend before being cared for by the narrator, serving as a crucial emotional support and a living connection to the past.
224
Novel • Fiction
New York City • Contemporary
2018
Adult
18+ years
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