It's likely rather futile to assert that this collection is solely for completists. It consists of unpublished or early stories, essays, and reviews that would hold little appeal for a new reader. The new stories, however, blend in quite nicely among his Cathedral/Elephant stories. They do lack some of the sharpness or edge that those collections possess. But then again, they are unfinished, after all. It's important to note that for those who are truly dedicated to exploring every facet of his work, this collection offers a unique glimpse into his creative process and the evolution of his ideas. However, for the casual or new reader, it might not be the most engaging or accessible entry point.

I was truly captivated by the 5 stories that make up the first section of this remarkable book. Raymond Carver is an outstanding writer! His writing style is characterized by simplicity and honesty. It is not overly flowery or pretentious, nor is it simplistic. It seems that a majority of the characters in his stories are flawed, often divorced or on the verge of divorce. Life is indeed hard for them.

Carver reveals what is dear to him in one of his book reviews. He writes, "Fiction that matters is about people. Does this need saying? Maybe. Anyway, fiction is not, as some writers believe, the ascendance of technique over content." These days [1980], we seem to have an abundance of novels and short stories where people are reduced to nameless or forgettable "characters," hapless beings with little purpose in life or, even worse, engaging in thoughtless and uncaring behavior towards their fellow humans. In significant fiction, the significance of the action within the story translates to the lives of people outside the story. In the best novels and short stories, goodness is recognized as such. Loyalty, love, fortitude, courage, and integrity may not always be rewarded, but they are seen as good or noble actions or qualities. Evil, base, or simply stupid behavior is exposed for what it is. There are indeed a few absolutes in this life, and we would do well not to forget them.

Along these lines, Carver quotes Hemingway approvingly: A writer's "standard of fidelity to the truth should be so high that his invention, out of his experience, should produce a truer account than anything factual can be."

What makes this book unique is that it contains some of Carver's short stories, reviews of other books, and autobiographical sketches. Thus, we have the author, the characters he created, and his opinions on the writings of others all presented side by side. As a result, it is easy to see how most of his characters share at least a little bit of Carver himself.

The book is divided into several sections: Uncollected Stories, Five Essays and a Meditation, Early Stories, Fragment of a Novel, Occasions, Introductions, and Book Reviews.

The uncollected stories are excellent, while most of the early stories are not as strong. The book reviews and introductions are interesting. I will remember Carver most for his writing, just as I do Patrick O'Brian and, to some extent, Mark Helprin.

Update: A few days after writing the above, I watched a 2019 interview with Mark Helprin. During the interview, he quoted Carver and also commented that he didn't like Carver (they had met). He didn't like his writing, and he was particularly critical of what Carver did to his family.

Carver's widow compiled a series of 5 stories after his death. The writing style is direct, not getting lost in details. It deals with problems such as loneliness, despair, alcoholism, divorces and so on. The endings are left open for the reader to reflect. There is a special mention of the beauty of the epilogue written by his widow, who is also a writer, Tess Gallagher. This collection of stories offers a unique perspective on the human condition. It shows the raw emotions and struggles that people face in their daily lives. The open endings encourage the reader to think deeply about the meaning and implications of the stories. Overall, it is a thought-provoking and engaging read. 7/10

The last compilation of the great Carver is pending to be read. Just like all the previous ones, it narrates the daily life and exploits the emotions based on short sentences like no one else. He is the best short story narrator - worthy of being reread again and again.

Carver's works have always been known for their simplicity and profoundness. His short sentences pack a powerful punch, leaving a lasting impression on the readers. In this latest compilation, we can expect to be taken on a journey through the ordinary lives of his characters, uncovering the hidden emotions and dramas that lie beneath the surface.

Whether you are a long-time fan of Carver or new to his works, this compilation is sure to delight. It offers a unique perspective on the human condition and reminds us of the beauty and complexity that exists within the simplest of lives. So, pick up a copy and prepare to be transported into the world of Raymond Carver.

In 2000, I'm here again with my review of 3/6 of all his published stories, and I hold the same opinion. What an excellent minimalist storyteller he is, delving into the slow pace of people's lives, uncovering the mundane and yet fascinating aspects of middle-aged American couples. He is truly unique in this regard and almost surely the best. I give it a three because I have a logical suspicion that the stories might have been polished when they came out of the drawer. And when I read the widow's notes, I wonder: Is it Carver or an imitation of Carver?

His writing style is so distinct, with简洁的 language and profound insights. It makes you think about the simplicity and complexity of life at the same time.

Each story seems to be a snapshot of a moment in someone's life, capturing the essence of human emotions and relationships.

Despite my suspicion, I still can't help but be drawn into the world he creates and appreciate the beauty and truth in his words.

Short stories do not accept any kind of explanation.

The work of a writer is only to present the event, not to explain, comment, or draw a conclusion.

Not to make any moral judgment.

Do not reveal one's own intentions and avoid imposing one's own opinions.

Just be concise and let me guess.

The short stories of Raymond Carver belong to that category.

Raymond Carver's short stories are known for their minimalist style.

He presents the lives and experiences of ordinary people in a straightforward and unadorned way.

By leaving out unnecessary details and explanations, he allows the readers to form their own interpretations and understandings.

This approach makes his stories more engaging and thought-provoking.

Readers are forced to fill in the gaps and make sense of the events on their own, which can lead to a deeper and more personal connection with the story.

Carver's stories often deal with themes such as love, loss, and the struggles of everyday life.

His characters are complex and flawed, and their experiences are relatable to many people.

Overall, Raymond Carver's short stories are a unique and powerful form of literature that challenges readers to think and feel.

We were intrigued by stories that boasted a powerful narrative momentum, featuring characters to whom we could relate on a human level. However, these were stories where the impacts of language, situation, and perception were profound and all-encompassing. Short stories that, at times, aspired to expand our perspective of ourselves and the world. This is from the essay "Fiction of Occurrence and Consequence" on page 220, written with Tom Jenks.

"Emptiness is the beginning of all things." This is from the uncollected stories "Kindling" on page 10.

I first became acquainted with RC through rumors and vague references that emerged in various situations. Despite my inclinations, I was curious enough to read about his work in yet another unexpected place, namely The George Grant Reader. I decided this book was essential to fill in some gaps. It contains samples from the wide range of his interests, including 5 recently discovered short stories; essays written for introductions, mostly for books he had a hand in editing and for special occasions; essays as tributes, including one very moving one on his father and a rather shocking one on his children; his contemplations on writing; and 12 book reviews.

That's all we have, ultimately, the words, and they had better be the right ones, with the punctuation in the right places so that they can best convey what they are intended to say. Page 90 of "On Writing".

If the words in a story were indistinct due to the author's insensitivity, carelessness, or sentimentality, then the story was severely handicapped. But there was something that must be avoided at all costs: if the words and the sentiment were dishonest, if the author was faking it, writing about things he didn't care about or believe in, then no one could ever care about it. From the essay "John Gardner: Writer as Teacher" on page 113.

It's a rough-hewn precision that RC attains, and that is part of his allure. Frankly, I didn't like many of the stories, which were bleak snapshots of life that ended abruptly. His concise prose in the fiction contrasts with the effusiveness evident in many of the essays and especially the book reviews. There is something seriously old-fashioned in his modern approach.

Opinionated, indeed; but there is also something charming in his stubborn refusal to pander to flash and dazzle, in his simple quest for truth. 4/7 in my system, 3.5 rounded up to a 4 out of respect for this man and his dedicated energy.

"What you do matters. What you do, right or wrong, has consequences...." Page 247. Quote from a review on a book by William Kittredge.

"Get in, get out. Don't linger. Go on." Page 87 of "On Writing".

Pure joy always comes from reading Carver. This, they say, is the purest Carver there could be. I have missed a bit of the editor's touch

**Call If You Need Me by Raymond Carver**

The story of Raymond Carver sets the stage for an engaging read. We are introduced to a world of Palo Alto, the Californian Coast, and the beach. As Tal Ben-Shahar often says at Harvard, words create worlds. With the words from “Call if You Need Me,” our mindset becomes positive. Tests have shown that the words used in soccer or Florida can create a framework that influences our thoughts and actions.

The character of Nancy, a tall, long-legged woman with brown hair, adds to the pleasantness of the reading. However, the story is more complex than it seems. The married couple at the center of the tale has marital problems, which the husband, the narrator, believes can be resolved. They have cheated on each other but agree to avoid contacting the other parties involved to work on their issues.
I wonder what John Gottman, a renowned specialist who can predict the success or failure of a marriage with 95% accuracy after just five minutes, would say about their situation. He is the author of the classic “Seven Principles to Make Marriage Work,” which offers valuable insights not just for married couples but for anyone interested in a healthy relationship.
One of the memorable images in the story is that of a group of horses coming onto the porch of the house where two of the characters spend a few days. It must have been a beautiful and unique sight. There is also a touch of silliness as Nancy and the narrator go looking for a dog, even though they don't know what to do with it back in the city.
In conclusion, this story offers a mix of complex relationships, beautiful imagery, and a touch of humor. It makes for an interesting read that will keep you engaged from start to finish.

**What Would You Like to See by Raymond Carver**

In this account, there is a familiar theme of alcoholism. Raymond Carver himself struggled with this addiction, and many of his characters face the same issue. In fact, I came across a good article in The Guardian that refers to the “Bad Raymond” who drank too much and the “Good Raymond” who overcame alcoholism and wrote about it in a way that inspired others.
The story begins with the narrator and his wife, Sarah, preparing to have dinner with Pete Petersen and his wife, Betty, the night before their departure. Pete owns a restaurant that overlooks the highway and the Pacific Ocean. The narrator and Sarah have a daughter, Cindy, who lives with several other young people in a house outside of Ukiah, in Mendocino County. They worry about her when a mass suicide takes place in British Guyana due to “social conformity,” as explained by Robert Cialdini in his book Influence.
At the dinner, they talk about various subjects, including travel destinations around the world. Pete and his wife have been to many places, including Alaska and Lebanon, and they show slides of their travels to their guests. They ask their guests, “What Would You Like to See?” as they prepare the screen and slides.
However, something goes wrong with the generator, and a lot of the salmon that Pete has acquired for his restaurant is spoiled. This adds a touch of drama to the story and shows how even the best-laid plans can sometimes go awry. Overall, this story offers a glimpse into the lives of its characters and the challenges they face, as well as some interesting insights into human nature and relationships.

«Will you write to me, right? – I said. I never thought for a moment that this would happen to us. After so many years. Not even in my dreams. To us, no.»

I really like short stories, and Carver's writing style charmed me. I connected with a couple of stories, especially the last one, which gives the name to the book. It devastated me.

Then, realizing that none other than Haruki Murakami is the Japanese translator of his works convinced me to read the rest of his books. Definitely, they have similar writing styles and tell stories full of nostalgia that connect a lot with me.

I also learned that the poet Tessa Gallagher, who was in charge of compiling all these stories, was his wife. How beautiful.

Tessa, in the epilogue of the book, said «If today a trunk of manuscripts by Kafka or Chekhov were discovered, everyone would rush to see its contents. And that's how we are: curious and nostalgic, we let ourselves be dominated by the familiar ghosts of those we admire in literature and in life.»

How true that is.

I had never read anything by this author before. Well, I must say that I started from the end. This is a work that compiles five short stories published posthumously, and its central theme is the end of a relationship after an attempt at salvation.

I feel there are many reflections of reality in it. Especially at the point where some characters, having reached a certain stage, decide that they are at peace with themselves. Without falling into sentimentality, they continue with their lives, not caring about the future or the consequences of what they have experienced.

It is a very pleasant and recommendable book if what we want is an entertaining read that does not dwell too much on human drama. It offers a unique perspective on relationships and how people deal with their endings. The stories are engaging and well-written, making it a great choice for those who enjoy a good short story collection.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a light yet thought-provoking read.

Parts of this book are like VH1's Behind the Music.

However, instead of focusing on a famous rock band like Aerosmith, it delves into the life and works of Raymond Carver.

Just as Behind the Music offers an in-depth look at the personal and professional lives of musicians, this book provides a similar exploration of Carver's journey.

Readers will get to know the man behind the stories, the struggles he faced, and the experiences that influenced his writing.

It's a unique and fascinating perspective on one of the most important figures in American literature.

Whether you're a die-hard Carver fan or simply interested in learning more about his life and work, this book is sure to captivate and inform.