I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger
“Better is here. Stay, and make it better.”
Book Summary
I Cheerfully Refuse by Leif Enger is a lyrical, post-apocalyptic novel. The story follows Rainy, a grieving widower and former musician, in his journeys across fractured America. Rainy sails a homemade boat across the Great Lakes, encountering a world marred by economic collapse and environmental decay. Enger’s novel is infused with wonder, music, and moments of grace. At its heart, it’s a meditation on kindness, resilience, and the power of art and human connection to illuminate the darkest times.
About the Author
Leif Enger is an American novelist celebrated for his lyrical prose and deeply human storytelling. Born in Minnesota and raised in Osakis, he grew up in a family of educators. Enger attended Moorhead State University, where he majored in English and mass communication. It was there he met his wife, Robin Reed. The couple later settled near Aitkin, Minnesota, where they raised their two sons.
Enger spent nearly two decades as a reporter and producer for Minnesota Public Radio. His solo debut, Peace Like a River (2001), became a national bestseller and was named one of the Year’s Best Books by Time Magazine and the Los Angeles Times. He followed this success with So Brave, Young, and Handsome (2008), which also garnered critical acclaim. His third novel, Virgil Wander (2018), was longlisted for the Carnegie Medal for Excellence in Fiction.
In 2018, Enger moved to Duluth, Minnesota, where Lake Superior has deeply influenced his writing. He notes that the lake’s moods often mirror his own, affecting his productivity and the tone of his work. This connection is evident in his latest novel, I Cheerfully Refuse (2024), a post-apocalyptic tale set along the shores of Lake Superior. Enger explores themes of resilience and hope in the face of societal collapse.
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