The Great Believers: A Heartbreaking Tale of Loss and Resilience

In “The Great Believers,” author Rebecca Makkai weaves together two interconnected stories set decades apart, exploring the devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic on the LGBTQ+ community in Chicago during the 1980s and its lingering effects in the present day. Through powerful storytelling and deeply human characters, Makkai delves into themes of love, friendship, grief, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Part I: The 1980s – A Time of Loss and Desperation

Set in the midst of the AIDS crisis, the first part of the novel introduces us to a group of friends in Chicago’s gay community. Yale Tishman, an art gallery director, becomes a witness to the devastation as his friends and loved ones succumb to the disease. Makkai vividly portrays the fear, stigma, and heartbreak that permeated the lives of those affected by the epidemic. Through her vivid descriptions and empathetic characterizations, she brings to life the pain and loss experienced by the LGBTQ+ community during this tumultuous time.

Part II: The Present – Searching for Closure and Redemption

The second part of the novel takes place in 2015 and follows Fiona Marcus, the sister of one of Yale’s friends who died from AIDS. Fiona is on a mission to find her estranged daughter, who disappeared in Paris. As she embarks on this journey, she confronts her own guilt and grief, grappling with the unresolved pain of the past. Makkai skillfully intertwines Fiona’s search for her daughter with flashbacks to the 1980s, creating a poignant narrative that explores the lasting impact of loss and the power of forgiveness.

Themes of Love, Friendship, and Resilience

“The Great Believers” delves deep into the complexities of love and friendship, showcasing the profound bonds that form in the face of adversity. Makkai explores the lengths people will go to support and care for one another, even in the darkest of times. Through Yale’s relationships with his friends, particularly his deep connection with Nico, the novel highlights the importance of community and the power of human connection.

The book also explores the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the overwhelming grief and loss experienced by the characters, they find ways to carry on, to find hope and meaning in their lives. Makkai portrays the strength and determination of her characters, showing how they navigate through pain and find solace in art, love, and the support of their chosen family.

Key Takeaways:

• The devastating impact of the AIDS epidemic on the LGBTQ+ community during the 1980s.
• The enduring effects of grief and loss on individuals and communities.
• The power of love, friendship, and resilience in the face of adversity.

“Friendship, Fiona had discovered, was a sort of love you could choose for yourself.”

In “The Great Believers,” Rebecca Makkai masterfully captures the heartache and resilience of a community ravaged by the AIDS epidemic. Through her compelling storytelling and richly drawn characters, she explores themes of love, friendship, and the enduring power of the human spirit. This poignant and thought-provoking novel serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion, understanding, and the bonds that connect us all.