A Down Home Meal for These Difficult Times

A Down Home Meal for These Difficult Times is a collection of short stories that explore the themes of connection, home, and the complexities of human relationships. It was written by Brit Bennett and was awarded the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award for debut fiction. The stories are witty, wistful, and complex, and they offer a fresh perspective on the human experience.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 01 December 2022
Publisher: Canongate Books

Winner of the Hurston/Wright Legacy Award for Debut Fiction


Shortlisted for the William Saroyan International Prize for Writing 2024


Shortlisted for the Museum of African Diaspora African Literary Award 2023


Finalist for the Pen/Robert W. Bingham Prize for Debut Short Story Collection 2023


Finalist for the Chautauqua Prize 2023


Longlisted for the Story Prize 2023


Witty and wistful, complex and heartbreaking


Brit Bennett


An enterprising young man on the verge of losing his home in Addis Ababa pursues an improbable opportunity to turn his life around.


A woman visiting her country of origin for the first time finds that an ordinary object opens up an unexpected, complex bridge between worlds.


An intergenerational friendship forms between two refugees living in Iowa who have connections to Germany before the fall of the Berlin Wall.


Kaleidoscopic, powerful, and illuminative, the stories in A Down Home Meal for These Difficult Times expand our understanding of the essential and universal need for connection and the vital refuge of home.




A Down Home Meal for These Difficult Times is a stunning collection of short stories that explores the complexities of human relationships, the power of resilience, and the search for meaning in the face of adversity. Brit Bennett's writing is witty, wistful, and deeply relatable, as she delves into the lives of her characters with empathy and insight. The stories in this collection are set in various locations, from Addis Ababa to Iowa, and span different generations and backgrounds. Bennett's characters are flawed, complex, and fully realized, with their struggles and triumphs reflecting the universal human experience. One of the standout stories in the collection is "The Visitors," which tells the story of a young woman who returns to her country of origin for the first time after living abroad for many years. As she explores her homeland, she discovers that an ordinary object holds the key to unlocking the memories and emotions she has long buried. Through this object, she forms an unexpected connection with a stranger, and together they navigate the complexities of their past and present. Another powerful story is "The House on Mango Street," which explores the experiences of a young girl growing up in a Latino neighborhood in Chicago. Bennett's portrayal of the neighborhood and its inhabitants is vivid and authentic, and her characters are deeply rooted in their culture and community. The story explores themes of identity, belonging, and the importance of family and community. "The Visitors" and "The House on Mango Street" are just two examples of the many memorable stories in A Down Home Meal for These Difficult Times. Each one is carefully crafted and filled with emotion, making it a must-read for anyone who loves short stories that explore the human experience in all its complexity. In conclusion, A Down Home Meal for These Difficult Times is a remarkable debut collection by Brit Bennett. Her writing is witty, wistful, and deeply relatable, as she delves into the lives of her characters with empathy and insight. The stories in this collection are kaleidoscopic, powerful, and illuminative, expanding our understanding of the essential and universal need for connection and the vital refuge of home. Bennett's characters are flawed, complex, and fully realized, with their struggles and triumphs reflecting the universal human experience. This collection is a must-read for anyone who loves short stories that explore the human experience in all its complexity.

Weight: 223g
Dimension: 214 x 135 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838858919
Edition number: Main