Abundance is a contemporary novel by American author Jakob Guanzon. Published in 2021 by Graywolf Press, it is Guanzon's debut novel. It explores social menaces in the United States like poverty, wealth inequality, justice system, drug trade, debt, food security, and human capital.
The story focuses on a homeless family who live in their car. Henry and his son have been kicked out of their portable trailer for failure to pay rent. Their situation gets worse as Henry is unemployed and unable to get money for food and fuel. All hope is not lost as Henry has landed a job interview. He is determined to turn his life around and prepares for the interview with everything he's got. Unfortunately, things don't go his way and the family is thrown further into oblivion, which proves to be disastrous for their day-to-day life.
Guanzon structures the story based on how much money Henry has before they are utterly broke. This approach gives the reader an exact picture of the situation at hand. The family is living on the edge and at any moment it could get worse depending on how much shorter their lifeline gets. The abundance of money offers a short-lived peaceful moment in their life and as they slowly run out of money, their reality sets in.
Abundance examines the flawed system of the American dream that is closely tied together with how much money you have. Henry and his son navigate America's culture of fast food, big stores, and expensive restaurants and quickly realize that the American dream is only for those who can afford it. Those who cannot afford that life are thrown to the wolves and left to scour the leftovers, desperately awaiting redemption that may never come. The reader is taken on a roller coaster of emotion as Henry and his son find themselves struggling to survive in a world where the American dream is only achievable with enough money.
Abundance can be read as a cautionary tale, warning readers of the destructive power of poverty and how inequality can trap individuals in a cycle of destitution. Guanzon also highlights the importance of community and support networks, demonstrating the power of human connection. Even in the face of extreme adversity, Henry and his son never give up hope and continue to fight against the odds. Ultimately, Abundance serves as an uplifting reminder that, no matter how bleak the circumstance, there is always a spark of possibility.
Battling with social and economic anxiety, addiction, unjust laws, and unattainable health care, Guanzon showcases the real side of America that is never advertised. The novel was nominated for the 2021 National Book Award for Fiction.
