"A Book of Common Prayer" is a novel written by Joan Didion, first published in 1977. The story is set against the backdrop of Central America, primarily in the fictional country of Boca Grande. It follows the lives of two women, Grace Strasser-Mendana and Charlotte Douglas, whose lives intertwine in unexpected ways. The narrative is structured around Grace, an American woman who marries into a wealthy and politically influential family in Boca Grande. Through her perspective, the novel explores themes of alienation, loss, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world. Grace's daughter, Carolina, is kidnapped and presumably killed, which leads to Grace's estrangement from her husband and her subsequent journey to find solace and understanding. Charlotte Douglas, on the other hand, is an American expatriate who befriends Grace. Charlotte is searching for her own daughter, whom she abandoned years ago, and her presence in Boca Grande adds another layer of complexity to the novel's exploration of guilt, responsibility, and redemption. As with much of Didion's work, "A Book of Common Prayer" is characterized by its spare prose, keen observations, and introspective exploration of the human psyche. The novel delves into the complexities of relationships, identity, and the ways in which individuals cope with trauma and loss. It's often praised for its evocative portrayal of place and its incisive commentary on political upheaval and social disintegration.
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