Acclaimed author Susan Straight has unveiled her latest novel, Sacrament, which delves into the lives of nurses grappling with the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Set during the late summer of 2020 in San Bernardino, California, the story intricately weaves personal and professional narratives, shedding light on the human experience during a time of crisis.
The protagonist, Larette Embers, works in the ICU, using her voice to comfort patients in comas. Alongside her, Marisol Manalang, a nurse of Filipino descent, not only cares for patients but also supports her fellow nurses. The novel also explores the emotional toll on their teenage children, who are kept apart from their mothers for safety reasons. Additionally, the book intertwines a love story featuring Johnny Frias, a character from Straight’s previous work, Mecca, as he navigates his search for love amidst the chaos.
In a recent interview, Straight expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming episode of Bookish, scheduled for November 21, 2025, where she will discuss her new work in detail.
Literary Influences and Recommendations
When asked about her reading preferences, Straight highlighted her admiration for James Welch’s novel, Fools Crow, which portrays the Montana Territory in the 1870s, and Helena Maria Viramontes’s Under the Feet of Jesus, focusing on a migrant worker family in California. Currently, she is engrossed in Michael Connelly’s Nightshade, while also revisiting the classic Sounder, which tells the poignant story of a boy and his dog in Louisiana.
Straight’s approach to discovering new books is unique. She established her “Fence Library” during the early days of the pandemic, allowing community members to exchange books freely. This initiative not only fosters a love for reading but also became a space for healthcare workers to share their experiences.
Reflections on Impactful Literature
The author recalled the transformative effect of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, which resonated with her own experiences as the daughter of an immigrant. This connection to literature is a recurring theme in her life, with influential figures like her former professor, Bill Bowers, guiding her early writing journey.
Straight has a diverse literary appetite, stating she enjoys a range of genres from literary fiction to mysteries, emphasizing the importance of character voice and emotional depth in her reading choices. She particularly enjoys the narrative style of Walter Mosley, whose detective stories feature complex characters and engaging plots.
In a revelation about Sacrament, Straight shared an intriguing detail about the longhorn cattle her friend raises, which inspired scenes in her novel involving Johnny Frias and his father. She also highlighted the tender care nurses provide to COVID patients, a poignant detail that reflects the emotional core of her story.
As she prepares for her upcoming appearance, Straight hopes to engage with her readers on the profound topic of grief and the complexities surrounding closure after losing loved ones. The conversation promises to be both insightful and reflective, continuing to highlight the importance of community and storytelling during challenging times.
This multifaceted narrative is not just a reflection of personal struggles but also a tribute to the resilience of those who care for others in times of crisis, making Sacrament a significant addition to contemporary literature.
