The Death of My Father the Pope: A Memoir

Obed Silva's memoir The Death of My Father the Pope chronicles his father's alcoholism, the havoc it wreaked on his family, and the heartbreak of mourning. It combines memoir and examination of the power of language and introduces a unique and powerful literary voice.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 07 December 2021
Publisher: Farrar, Straus & Giroux Inc

Obed Silva intricately weaves together the preparations for his father's funeral, alongside cherished memories from his life on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. In this poignant chronicle, he delves into the profound impact of his father's alcoholism, a lifelong love that ultimately ended with his tragic death at the age of forty-eight, caused by the gradual poisoning of his body through the consumption of Carta Blanca tequila. Addiction, an unyielding force, transcends borders, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. Silva's father's addiction not only followed his family to the north, where they sought refuge from his violent drunken rages, but also lingered even after his passing, casting a shadow of pain and resentment.

Through a wry cynicism, a profane yet profound anger, an antic and brutally honest voice, and a solid classical foundation, Silva channels the deep sorrow of mourning while grappling with the anger and frustration stemming from addiction. The Death of My Father the Pope is a captivating blend of memoir and an insightful exploration of the power of language. It also introduces a unique and powerful literary voice that resonates with readers on a profound level.

Weight: 434g
Dimension: 145 x 219 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780374539160