INTERMEDIATE FICTION
(2) 4-6 In late 1960s Cape Cod, Naomi "Chirp" Orenstein's mother has been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis and sinks into a severe depression, ultimately committing suicide. It's an overwhelmingly sad story, but the sadness never feels gratuitous, only immutable. Ehrlich's characters are all fully developed, most of all Chirp's best friend Joey, who has his own issues at home. Chirp's poignant earnestness is heartrending.

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