A review by marywahlmeierbracciano
Wolf at the Table by Adam Rapp

challenging dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This multigenerational saga of an ordinary Catholic family plays out in unexpected ways.  Inspired by a shocking revelation from within the author’s own family, Wolf at the Table meditates upon guilt, duty, and inheritance.  The character of the wolf is both obvious, and it isn’t—in many ways, the wolf is all of them.  Readers get to know Alec, in particular, in such a way that allows for empathy and sorrow alongside the knowledge of his eventually horrendous actions.  Monsters aren’t made up—they’re real, complex human beings.  I’ll be thinking about this stunning novel for a long time. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Ableism, Fatphobia, Mental illness, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, Suicide attempt, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis

Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Cancer, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Homophobia, Infidelity, Pedophilia, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Violence, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Addiction, Drug use, Rape, Sexual content, Pregnancy, and Lesbophobia