Most Americans will be pulling up a chair to a heavily laden table this Thursday in celebration of Thanksgiving. If your own family drama isn’t enough for you, check out one of these tension-laden reads set during the holiday season—they’ll make the relationship between the pilgrims and the Indians seem downright functional.
Strangers at the Feast by Jennifer Vanderbes
The richly drawn characters and vivid storytelling make Strangers at the Feast a must-read study of the lengths to which families will go in the face of unimaginable threats.
The Ghost at the Table by Suzanne Berne
A thoroughly engrossing story of a woman’s search for family and self, vaguely reminiscent of an Anne Tyler tale, The Ghost at the Table plays out over the course of a holiday weekend.
The Lay of the Land by Richard Ford
Apart from the humor and pathos revealed in these sometimes bizarre and inexplicable incidents, what makes this such a compelling read is Ford’s skillful channeling of the voice of the narrator he’s shaped over the course of three books and 20 years.
Anyone have a favorite novel with a Thanksgiving setting?
p.s. for more traditional Thanksgiving fare, check out these two adorable picture books for children.
