Acclaimed author Susan Straight has recently released her new novel, “Sacrament,” which explores the profound experiences of nurses during the pandemic. Set in San Bernardino during the summer of 2020, the story highlights the emotional and physical challenges faced by healthcare workers as they care for critically ill patients.
Straight’s narrative centers on the character Larette Embers, an ICU nurse who uses music to comfort her patients in comas. Alongside her, Marisol Manalang, a nurse originally from the Philippines, juggles her responsibilities to both her patients and colleagues. The novel also touches on the lives of their teenage children, who are separated from their mothers for safety. In addition to the medical struggles, the book features a love story involving Johnny Frias, a character from Straight’s previous work, “Mecca,” who seeks connection amidst the chaos.
Exploring Themes of Love and Resilience
Straight emphasizes the intertwining themes of love and resilience throughout “Sacrament.” The narrative also includes elements of teenage romance set against the backdrop of a date garden in the Coachella Valley, along with a humorous subplot involving a runaway bull in Carbon Canyon.
In an interview, Straight discussed her motivations and inspirations for the book. She noted that her experiences, particularly interactions with traveling nurses during the pandemic, deeply influenced her writing. These nurses shared their stories, which were pivotal in shaping the emotional landscape of the novel.
When asked about her reading recommendations, Straight pointed to James Welch‘s novel “Fools Crow” and Helena Maria Viramontes‘ “Under the Feet of Jesus.” She appreciates works that resonate with her own experiences, particularly those that reflect the struggles of immigrant families.
A Lifelong Passion for Literature
Straight’s relationship with literature began at a young age. She recalls the impact of “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,” a novel that mirrored her own childhood experiences with an immigrant mother. This early connection to storytelling led her to pursue a career in writing, encouraged by her professor, Bill Bowers, at Riverside City College.
Her passion for reading remains strong, as she actively maintains a community book exchange known as her “Fence Library.” This initiative, started during the early months of the pandemic, allows her to share books with neighbors and foster a love for reading within her community.
As she reflects on her writing process and the experiences that shape her work, Straight poses a thought-provoking question to her readers: “How do we grieve when we lose a loved one, and how might closure occur when we continue to live with that loss?”
In addition to her literary contributions, Straight is a Guggenheim Fellow and has received the Kirsch Award for Lifetime Achievement from the Los Angeles Times Book Prize. She holds the position of Distinguished Professor of Creative Writing at the University of California, Riverside.
As Susan Straight continues to engage readers with her poignant storytelling, she will appear on the November 21, 2025 episode of Bookish, where she will further discuss “Sacrament.”
With a rich background in literature and a deep understanding of the human experience, Straight’s work resonates with readers, offering both insight and connection in these challenging times.
