Sweet Agony

Having read and loved The Mark of the Angel and Slow Emergencies, I couldn't wait to read another Nancy Huston novel. Her beautiful prose has always enthralled me, and Sweet Agony was not an exception. The story centers on Sean Farrell -- an eccentric, alcoholic poet who decides to create his own version of the last supper. He invites eleven of his closest friends over for Thanksgiving dinner, where he regales everyone with stories of the wonderful and sometimes poignant times they had shared, and where they also vent their unexpressed feelings of anger, baring harsh secrets and truths. But there is a catch to the occasion. Sean is terminally ill and this could well be his final celebration. There are some twists throughout the novel. Huston has once again wowed me with a story so engaging and beautiful that it was impossible to put down. This Canadian author's writing is deceptively stark, unmistakably dark. The novel is told from all characters' points of views, jumping from one narrative to another. Yet the multiple narratives did not confuse me in the slightest. Each character possesses his or her own voice, making them all unique. And the conclusion is what I expected from this brilliant novelist. This novel touched me in so many levels and I cannot wait to discuss it with friends. Sweet Agony is a novel that should be savored like fine wine. I cannot recommend it enough. I also recommend her two previous books. They are all wonderful.

I'm surprised no one has reviewed this book. I stumbled upon it a while back and couldn't put it down. There are alot of characters in this book, but you don't get confused by the different perspectives. Instead, you just go deeper and deeper into the story. And in between each chapter...a surprise...I won't give it away. Interesting and insightful.

Hard to believe that a book that truly makes you feel the pain of its protagonists can be so sweet. The structure is nothing short of brilliant with the constant juxtaposing of a chapter where you meet and get to know the participants of Sean's Thanksgiving gathering with one prophesizing their(sometimes)sorrowful fates. A real tour de force that hopefully will be read by many.

I got this book as a gift from my mother who thought I would enjoy it and she was right. I didn't want to put it down and read it in 2 days. A wonderful read!