37 pages • 1 hour read
Sigrid NunezThe Friend
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2018A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
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
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.