Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Review: 'The War For Gloria' is an epic coming-of-age tale

In “The War for Gloria” by Atticus Lish, Gloria is the single mother of Corey

Via AP news wire
Tuesday 07 September 2021 15:31 EDT
Book Review - The War for Gloria
Book Review - The War for Gloria

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

“In The War for Gloria” by Atticus Lish (Knopf)

“In The War for Gloria” by Atticus Lish, Gloria is the single mother of Corey. While she struggles to make ends meet, it is clear Gloria will do anything for her son. The two love one another fiercely, but their universe shatters when Gloria is diagnosed with ALS At 15 Corey is forced to figure out how to care for his mother both physically and financially as her health deteriorates. Meanwhile, Corey’s estranged father, Leonard, moves in with them to help care for Gloria.

Corey and Leonard’s relationship quickly grows tense as it becomes clear to Corey that Leonard is not a good man and may even be dangerous. As Gloria’s condition worsens, the clash between father and son continues to intensify.

“The War For Gloria” is a force, an epic coming-of-age tale filled with pain, heartache, fear, and undying love. When you think the story might turn one direction, it turns another. But what remains steadfast throughout is Corey’s devotion to his mother, his guttural need to do all he can to protect her. It is, however, a very long read, and at times, the story feels slow. But on the whole, Lish has crafted a compelling tale filled with complex and at times, frightening characters that will keep you intrigued.

___

Read more about Molly Sprayregen at https://www.mollyspray.com.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in