Paperback: The Afterlife, by Donald Antrim
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.Relationships with mothers can be fraught. But making up with dead mothers is yet more complicated. New Yorker Donald Antrim's writerly memoirs of life with an alcoholic mother range from ruined Christmas days to futile attempts to excuse her behaviour. "When you are, as I was – and as I am – the anxious child of a volatile, childlike mother... you learn to accept, as realistic and viable, statements and opinions that are clearly ludicrous." You may feel sorry for him, but it's his cast of ever-changing girlfriends that invite most pity – women forever destined to pay the price for the failure of his first male-female bond.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments