I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger

I CHEERFULLY REFUSE by Leif Enger has a beautiful, eye-catching cover which reflects the many layers involved in this latest story from an award-winning author (Peace Like a River and Virgil Wander). The story centers on Rainy (the narrator) and his wife Lark who live on Lake Superior in a post-apocalyptic society compared by another reviewer to The Road or Station Eleven. Lark, however, sounds like someone we would all want to know – she gets excited about old books, including mysteries and “the complete McGee.” Plus, Rainy says, “Chancing a single glance at her green eyes, I got an impression of curiosity and wit and maybe a little mockery zipping around back there like fireflies.” Their new boarder, Kellan, attracts some dangerous people and Rainy eventually departs in a sailboat, travelling amongst the local islands in search of an inner peace. Enger deftly explores grief, loneliness, and the restorative power of kindness and nature’s beauty. His writing is so amazing: “The lake was dark and flat. It was a blackboard to the end of sight, and any story might be written on its surface.” The audiobook, narrated by David Aaron Baker, is well worth the 12-hour time investment. Baker’s voice is surprisingly soothing, and he makes a complicated story come to life. I CHEERFULLY REFUSE received a starred review from Publishers Weekly (“This captivating narrative brims with hope.”). Kirkus references its “staggeringly tough times” and “spirit of whimsy that keeps hope flickering even in times of darkest despair.”