Drinking: A Love Story is Caroline Knapp’s 1997 memoir about her alcoholism and recovery. Knapp examines how her relationship with alcohol turned into a dangerous love affair that threatened to destroy her life. She also explores important aspects of her family life and romantic relationships, both of which contributed to her addiction and were impeded by her drinking.

Caroline Knapp's Drinking: A Love Story is a compelling memoir that offers a poignant exploration of addiction, commendable for its raw honesty and introspective depth. While praised for its relatable prose and emotional resonance, some readers found the narrative repetitive and lacking broader perspective. Overall, it’s a powerful read that illuminates the complexities of alcoholism.

A reader who would enjoy Drinking: A Love Story by Caroline Knapp is likely interested in raw, introspective memoirs that explore personal struggle and recovery. Fans of Mary Karr's The Liar's Club or Jeanette Walls' The Glass Castle will find Knapp's honest, lyrical narrative compelling and relatable.

Melancholic / Emotional / Dark / Contemplative / Informative

- Drinking: A Love Story became a national bestseller and is considered a seminal work for its candid exploration of alcoholism from a woman's perspective.
- The author, Caroline Knapp, was an award-winning columnist for the Boston Phoenix, where she wrote under the pseudonym "Alice K." before releasing this memoir.
- The book delves into the prevalent issue of drinking in high-pressure careers and personal life, sparking many discussions around women and addiction in the late 1990s.

**Caroline Knapp**  
The author and narrator, an alcoholic who achieves sobriety after a long struggle and shares her journey through her personal experiences.

**Dr. Knapp**  
Caroline's father, a psychoanalyst and researcher, depicted as both emotionally detached and intensely incisive, impacting her life deeply.

**Mrs. Knapp**  
Caroline's mother, an artist characterized by her gentleness and reserve, who expresses concern about Caroline's drinking.

**Becca**  
Caroline's twin sister, known for her boldness and progress toward traditional life goals, who plays a significant role in Caroline's journey to sobriety.

**Julian**  
An art dealer and Caroline's partner, whose cultured demeanor simultaneously attracts and challenges her, impacting her self-esteem.

**Michael**  
A freelance illustrator and Caroline's partner who is kind and patient, contrasting with her previous relationship dynamics.

**Elaine**  
Caroline's neighbor, often seen as more stereotypically alcoholic, serving as a contrast to Caroline's own drinking behavior.

**Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)**  
An organization that becomes a crucial support system for Caroline, helping her in her recovery process.

Caroline Knapp

Adult

Autobiography / Memoir

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Drinking: A Love Story reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Drinking: A Love Story | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Drinking: A Love Story and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Drinking: A Love Story Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Prologue-Chapter 1

Drinking: A Love Story Prologue-Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 2-4

Drinking: A Love Story Chapters 2-4 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 5-7

Drinking: A Love Story Chapters 5-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-10

Drinking: A Love Story Chapters 8-10 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 11-13

Drinking: A Love Story Chapters 11-13 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 14-16

Drinking: A Love Story Chapters 14-16 Summary & Analysis

keyFigure

Key Figures

Drinking: A Love Story Key Figures

theme

Themes

Drinking: A Love Story Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Drinking: A Love Story Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

character

Important Quotes

Drinking: A Love Story Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Drinking: A Love Story Essay Topics

Drinking: A Love Story

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Drinking: A Love Story?

Reading Age

Book Details