THE FRIEND by Sigrid Nunez

THE FRIEND

by

Sigrid Nunez

            The Friend, by Sigrid Nunez, is the winner of the 2018 National Book Award for Fiction. And, in the case of this lovely, little book, the honor is well deserved.

            Her best friend and mentor, a writer, committed suicide. He left behind wife number three, a dog, and the friend (who ended up with the dog). Apollo, a huge Great Dane who was rescued, is also grieving – and is unwanted. The surviving friend ends up with Apollo, despite the fact that her lease prohibits her from having a dog in her apartment. The Friend is a glimpse into their lives. It is about suicide and dogs; grief and love; writing and teaching. This is a book without names – except for the dog (although the surviving wife might be considered to have a name – “wife number three” – it is more a distinguishing label than a name). Apollo is the only “real” name. I am not quite sure why there is a dearth of names; perhaps Nunez believes this will help focus the reader on the raw feelings associated with the friend’s loss and the subsequent bond she develops with Apollo. Whatever the motivation, it has an interesting effect.

            I generally love books about writers and writing and about dogs. But, The Friend is a little different. I didn’t just love the book – I fell in love with it. This was an evolving process. And, that process continued, and my love continued to grow, long after I finished reading.

            The Friend is not a large work, but a great deal is encapsulated within its small structure. It is a powerful reading experience, and I highly recommend it.