Poor Deer: A Novel By Claire Oshetsky

In Claire Oshetsky's poignant novel, "Poor Deer," young Margaret Murphy grapples with a tragic loss—the death of her friend Agnes. Growing up in a world where reality feels overwhelming, Margaret copes by weaving fantastical tales. Her first memory revolves around the day Agnes died, and though no one explicitly blames Margaret, her mother insists she never left the house that day.

To shield herself from unbearable memories, Margaret replaces them with imagined stories, infused with faith and magic, always culminating in happy endings. However, her constructed reality is disrupted by the arrival of Poor Deer, a mysterious and formidable creature insistent on unveiling the truth about Margaret's past and her role in Agnes's death.

"Poor Deer" explores the poignant journey of understanding the stories we tell ourselves to navigate life's complexities. The novel delves into the delicate balance between childhood innocence and the harsh truths of reality. Heartrending and hopeful, Oshetsky's narrative captures the essence of grappling with loss and the transformative power of facing one's past.

"Poor Deer" is a lyrical exploration of memory, imagination, and the profound ways in which we construct narratives to make sense of life's most challenging moments. 📚❤️