This year, PADERBORN2READ—The English Book Club celebrates the twelve days of Christmas with twelve curated reading recommendations for the festive season and cozy winter days.
The fourth day of Christmas, with four calling birds—or four howling wolves:
Tell the Wolves I’m Home by Carol Rifka Brunt
recommended by PADERBORN2READ member Daniel
If you are searching for a tender yet impactful holiday-read, Tell the Wolves I’m Home by Carol Rifka Brunt might be the perfect fit for you! This coming-of-age fiction novel, set against the backdrop of the AIDS crisis, explores themes of mourning, platonic love, and romantic desire.
The novel follows fourteen-year-old June Elbus whose only attachment figure, her gay uncle Finn, dies of AIDS. After his death, June’s life becomes infested with sadness, anger, and frustration. But when she is contacted by Toby, Finn’s boyfriend, she finds that she might not the only one affected by this loss.
While Brunt does not shy away from depicting the stigma gay men faced at the time, the novel avoids broader political discussions. Instead, Brunt tells an intimate story of love and loss. Her prose is lyrical and tender, her characters multifaceted and complex—although they aren’t always likeable. Her touching story finds the perfect balance between being heartbreaking and heartwarming.
I’d recommend this book to fans of What Belongs to You by Garth Greenwell, to fans of The Titanic Survivors Book Club by Timothy Schaffert, and to everyone who enjoys subtle poignant literature.
