What the Living Do
Susan E. Wadds
Regal House Publishing (2024)
ISBN: 978-1646034093
Reviewed by Leslie Anne Smith for Reader Views (11/2024)
Susan E. Wadds creates a compelling work focused on grief, healing, and self-worth in “What the Living Do.” The novel follows Brett Catlin, a 37-year-old woman who has experienced a lot of trauma, heartache, and loss throughout her life. Still guilty over the loss of her sister and father in her childhood, Brett has also suffered at the hands of her cousin who sexually abused her. She’s experienced toxic relationships and recently received a cancer diagnosis. To cope with it all, Brett finds solace through other people but cannot open herself up to more hurt. Wadds excels most at writing compelling characters. She explores trauma, resilience, and redemption.
Brett is a complex character to follow, and readers will find a lot to relate to in her struggles with grief, guilt, and self-isolation. She comes off as a real and flawed character but is nonetheless endearing. Cole and Norah also stand out as compelling characters. Cole provides a tender, soft space. I enjoy reading male characters who can be vulnerable and kind without struggling with it.
Norah is another character exploring her own grief and frustrations, showing how powerful and enriching friendships can be in the face of loss and pain. She and Brett are a fantastic exploration of female friendships. Through her characters, Wadds studies the complexity of human connection, forgiveness, and despair. For readers who enjoy character-driven storytelling, they will find a new favorite in “What the Living Do.”
While the character-focused narrative is a strength of this novel it can feel limiting at times, especially for readers who enjoy a faster-moving plot. Brett’s internal monologue does slow down the pacing and plot and is heavily introspective. It can occasionally feel repetitive, but in a way, this is a perfect reflection of how we process grief. Healing is never linear, and Brett’s cyclical thinking, while repetitive, feels realistic as well.
Susan E. Wadds’ ability to portray trauma, love, and healing in such a realistic way is fantastic, and her prose really heightens the story she is telling in “What the Living Do.” Introspective readers will find a new favorite here, and perhaps others will see a lot of themselves in Brett as well.