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"A Day Late and a Dollar Short" by Terry McMillan is a deeply moving novel about a fractured African American family living in Las Vegas in 1994. The novel focuses on the relationships between parents, their children, and siblings, showing the complexities and tensions that define familial bonds. The story is told through the perspectives of six different characters, each grappling with personal challenges, as they navigate issues like prescription drug addiction, alcoholism, homosexuality, molestation, single parenthood, and divorce. These contemporary themes are woven into the personal struggles of each family member, giving readers an intimate look into their lives.
Viola Price, the matriarch of the family, is the emotional center of the story. She is determined to keep her family together despite their dysfunction, even as she faces her own declining health due to severe asthma. Her attempts to mend the frayed relationships among her children form the heart of the novel, but ultimately, Viola dies from a final asthma attack, leaving her family to cope without her. Her death is the pivotal moment that forces each character to confront their personal struggles and reevaluate their roles within the family.
Paris, the oldest daughter, is considered the most successful of her siblings. A professional and seemingly composed woman, Paris battles a prescription drug addiction behind closed doors, using pills to manage the pressure and stress of her career. Despite her outward success, her addiction reveals the cracks in her carefully constructed life. Her struggle serves as a commentary on the hidden difficulties that can exist beneath a polished surface, highlighting the pressures of maintaining an image of success while grappling with internal demons.
Lewis, the only son, is perhaps the most conflicted character. He struggles with early onset arthritis, a physical reminder of his lack of control over his life. Lewis consistently blames others for his misfortunes and fails to take responsibility for his actions. His journey in the novel is about learning to take control of his own life and stop relying on others to fix his problems. His arc is one of self-realization, as he begins to understand that personal accountability is essential to his growth.
Charlotte, the second daughter, has a strained relationship with both her mother and her older sister, Paris. She doesn’t speak to either of them and has distanced herself from the family. Charlotte also faces the challenge of raising her openly gay son, which adds another layer of complexity to her character. Her resentment and unresolved anger toward her family are central to her emotional journey, as she struggles to reconcile her past hurts with the need for familial connection.
Janelle, the youngest daughter, is a perpetual student who has been attending college for 15 years without earning her degree. Her lack of direction reflects her deep-seated insecurities and fear of failure. Janelle’s inability to finish what she starts mirrors her uncertain place in the family and in the world. She represents the anxiety of being stuck in a cycle of unrealized potential, unable to break free from her own doubts.
Cecil, Viola’s hardworking husband, is the figure of stability in the family, though he remains emotionally distant at times. After Viola’s death, Cecil is forced to step up in ways he hadn’t anticipated, as he becomes the figure holding the family together in her absence. His quiet strength and resilience are revealed as he copes with his own grief and the task of supporting his children through their individual struggles.
The novel was adapted into a 2014 television movie, which brought the family’s story to the screen, highlighting the emotional depth and complexity of their relationships. "A Day Late and a Dollar Short" masterfully explores the interconnectedness of family and the deep wounds that often define these relationships. Each character’s perspective provides a unique lens into the contemporary issues they face, making the novel a powerful reflection on the difficulties of modern family life and the enduring hope for reconciliation and healing.