Review: Longform essay: "Two Women Walk into a Bar" by Cheryl Strayed

Two Women Walk into a Bar by Cheryl Strayed
Published January 2024 via Amazon Original Stories

Two women walk into a bar. They both love the same man—and they aren't so sure about each other.

Strayed brings such richness and complexity to this story of her mother-in-law, Joan, a woman who could probably have been described as a Character for most of her life. They were not easy friends, but they found their way to loving each other regardless. And as Joan reached the end of her life, Strayed was right there with Joan, and with Strayed's husband, to see her out in as comfortable a manner as possible.

What I love most about this is the balance between Strayed's obvious respect and love for Joan and her refusal to paint Joan from behind rose-colored glasses. This is one of my favorite offerings from Amazon Original Stories to date—I'd read a full novel about a character based on Joan, or Joan's mother; there's pretty much no way it wouldn't be interesting. A lot of complication here, and a lot of compassion.

Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.