Charming Billy by Alice McDermott
"Charming Billy" is a poignant exploration of love, loss, faith, and the power of stories. The narrative unfolds through the memories of friends and family gathered at a Bronx bar after the funeral of Billy Lynch, a charismatic but troubled man who died of alcoholism. As the mourners share their recollections, the reader learns about Billy's lifelong love for his Irish sweetheart who he believed died young, his subsequent marriage to a woman he didn't love, and his descent into alcoholism. The truth about his sweetheart's fate and the impact of deception on his life form the crux of the story.
The 3790th greatest book of all time
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This book is on the following lists:
- National Book Award - Fiction (National Book Foundation)
- 222 Best Books of All Time That Deserve a Spot on Your Bookshelf, With Picks from Bestselling Authors and Indie Booksellers (Parade)