Naomi Weisman is the writer of Nomi's Pics and the editor of the Rambler Cafe Blog. She is a Canadian-Australian and mother of three who loves to Ramble with her dog, cook for family and friends, and laugh whenever possible.
This month we're reading The Savage, Noble Death of Babs Dionne, an unforgettable novel that blends literary fiction, family drama, and crime fiction into a story unlike any other. Set in a close-knit Franco-American community in Maine, it's a novel about fierce love, family loyalty, identity, and the lengths people will go to protect those they love.
Although this book contains moments of violence and moral ambiguity, its heart lies in its richly drawn characters and the complicated bonds that connect them.
Summary
Babs Dionne is a formidable grandmother, loyal friend, and the powerful matriarch of a Franco-American community in Waterville, Maine. For decades she has protected her family and neighbourhood according to her own fiercely held code of loyalty and justice.
When one of her daughters disappears and outside forces begin threatening everything Babs has built, long-buried secrets and old wounds rise to the surface. Over the course of a single, tense day, family ties are tested, loyalties shift, and generations of history collide.
Part family saga, part literary crime novel, The Savage, Noble Death of Babs Dionne explores the complicated relationship between love and vengeance, the weight of family history, and what it means to protect a community that the outside world has often overlooked.
About the Author
Ron Currie Jr. is an award-winning American novelist whose work is known for blending literary fiction with dark humour, moral complexity, and unforgettable characters. His novels often explore family, identity, faith, and the choices people make when faced with extraordinary circumstances.
With The Savage, Noble Death of Babs Dionne, Currie turns his attention to the often-overlooked Franco-American communities of northern New England, creating a story that is both deeply personal and epic in scope. The novel has been widely praised for its memorable heroine, sharp dialogue, emotional depth, and fresh take on the crime genre.
Themes to Watch For
Family Loyalty
Nearly every decision in this novel is shaped by family. As you read, consider how love, obligation, and loyalty can both strengthen and complicate relationships.
Identity and Heritage
The Franco-American culture of Maine plays an important role in the story. Notice how language, tradition, and ancestry influence the characters' sense of who they are and what they're fighting to preserve.
Justice Versus Revenge
The novel asks difficult questions about right and wrong. Is justice always found through the law, or are there circumstances where people create their own moral code?
Strength and Sacrifice
Many of the characters carry enormous burdens. Think about the sacrifices they make—for family, for community, and sometimes for themselves.
Seeing Beyond First Impressions
Few characters fit neatly into the categories of hero or villain. As the story unfolds, notice how your understanding of each person changes.
As You Read...
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Notice how your feelings about Babs evolve as you learn more about her.
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Pay attention to the role that family history plays in present-day decisions.
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Consider how the setting becomes almost a character in its own right.
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Think about whether compassion and accountability can exist side by side.
Discussion Questions
(For the third week and beyond—please avoid spoilers until then!)
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Babs Dionne is a complex and unconventional protagonist. What were your first impressions of her, and did they change as the story unfolded?
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Heritage and community are woven throughout the novel. How did the Franco-American setting shape your understanding of the characters and their choices?
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This novel explores the tension between family loyalty and doing what is morally right. Were there moments when your sympathies shifted?
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The story blends literary fiction with crime fiction. Did you enjoy that combination? Why or why not?
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Without revealing any spoilers, were you satisfied with how the story came together? Would you recommend it to other readers? Why or why not?
Final Thought
At first glance, this may seem like a crime novel, but beneath the suspense lies a story about family, belonging, resilience, and the legacies we inherit. One of the pleasures of discussing a book like this is discovering how differently each of us interprets its characters and the choices they make.
We look forward to hearing your thoughts during our discussion in the third week. Happy reading!
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