Freedom From Want Summary
Joan Silber

Freedom From Want Overview

In Joan Silber's short story "Freedom from Want," the first-person narrator Rachel struggles to process her brother Saul's diagnosis with liver cancer. She is even more shocked when Saul's boyfriend of 20 years breaks up with him shortly after the diagnosis. These events complicate Rachel's relationship with her ex, Bud, and challenge her to reexamine her life. Over the course of the short story, Rachel must learn how to express her sorrow, frustration, and longing by identifying her true hopes and desires. The short story explores themes including desire, grief, and love.