Renowned author Susan Straight has recently released her latest novel, Sacrament, a poignant exploration of the lives of nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The book, set in San Bernardino during the summer of 2020, depicts the profound challenges faced by healthcare professionals as they care for critically ill patients. Straight, a distinguished professor of Creative Writing at the University of California, Riverside, draws from her experiences and observations to create a narrative that is both intimate and timely.
In Sacrament, readers meet Larette Embers, an ICU nurse who sings to her comatose patients to provide comfort, and Marisol Manalang, a nurse from the Philippines who balances caring for her patients with looking after her fellow healthcare workers. The novel also delves into the lives of their teenage children, highlighting the emotional toll of separation during a health crisis. Interwoven through these stories is a romantic subplot featuring Johnny Frias, a character from Straight’s previous work, Mecca, as he navigates his quest for love amidst the chaos.
Personal Reflections and Recommendations
In a recent Q&A session, Straight expressed her affinity for literature, recommending titles such as James Welch’s Fools Crow and Helena Maria Viramontes’ Under the Feet of Jesus. These works resonate with her appreciation for stories that reflect diverse experiences. Currently, she is engrossed in Michael Connelly’s Nightshade and the classic Sounder, both of which showcase her wide-ranging literary interests.
Straight’s passion for reading extends beyond her own work. She created a Fence Library during the early days of the pandemic, where hundreds of books are exchanged along her sidewalk. This initiative not only provided a source of comfort to healthcare workers at Riverside Community Hospital but also fostered a sense of community during an isolating period.
Insights into ‘Sacrament’ and the Creative Process
When asked about a lesser-known aspect of Sacrament, Straight shared a unique insight into her research process. She observed the movement of longhorn cattle in Reche Canyon to accurately depict a scene in the novel involving Johnny Frias and his father. Additionally, she highlighted the tenderness with which nurses handle the bodies of COVID patients, a detail conveyed to her by friends working on the front lines.
Straight’s writing journey began at a young age, influenced by her experiences and the encouragement of her Creative Writing professor, Bill Bowers, at Riverside City College. This formative moment underscored her belief in the power of storytelling and its ability to connect people across different backgrounds.
As her novel gains traction, Straight invites readers to reflect on the themes of grief and closure. She poses a thought-provoking question: “How do we grieve when we lose a loved one, and how might closure be achieved, if at all?”
With Sacrament, Susan Straight not only tells a compelling story but also offers a lens through which to view the resilience and humanity of those who have faced unprecedented challenges. The novel is set to be discussed further in her upcoming appearance on the Bookish program on November 21, 2025.
