I recently finished reading Charming Billy by Alice McDermott. She tells the story about an alcoholic dying and how following his funeral, the family sits around and reminisces about him. Simple enough right?
Well, you quickly find yourself drawn into a complex web of “family stuff” complete with lies, deceptions and all the bs that goes along with being in an extended family of folks you mysteriously manage to somehow love and hate at the same time. For more discussion on the novel check out this summary https://www.publishersweekly.com/978-0-374-12080-1
I recognize that none of the above will make you want to rush out and read Charming Billy but trust me, it’s worth a look. The plot may sound a bit boring but McDermott won the National Book Award due to how poetically and lyrically she writes. Some of the scenes that she describes, such as the cottage at the end of the story, you feel like you are actually witnessing it live. She is that good.
On a personal note too, Billy reminded me a lot of my Brother Steve and my Grandfather Harry Raley.
Speaking of drinking to escape your blues, Eric knows exactly what I’m talking about.