Alfred

Suzie Pelletier’s Alfred follows a ninety-year-old man who stops drinking after his childhood friend Emmanuel dies of cancer. A blackout leaves him unaware of the last eighteen months, prompting a choice to live without alcohol to avoid losing his memories again. The narrative traces his struggle within a chaotic family where violence and heavy drinking are normalized. Pelletier explores how Alfred confronts his past, including revelations about his father and siblings, while managing his own sobriety journey marked by setbacks. The story also centers on Kevin, Alfred’s grandson, who struggles to keep a secret related to the family’s history. Pelletier, known for her focus on human resilience, structures the plot around these personal battles rather than external events. The book suits readers interested in character-driven dramas about aging and recovery. It may not appeal to those seeking fast-paced thrillers or supernatural elements, as it remains grounded in realistic domestic conflict. Pelletier uses the lens of intergenerational trauma to examine how silence and substance abuse affect family bonds. The narrative does not offer easy resolutions but focuses on the daily effort required to maintain clarity and connection. Alfred’s path is filled with obstacles, yet the core tension lies in his determination to remember his life and protect his loved ones from the same destructive patterns that defined his youth.