Carver once again demonstrates his remarkable talent for writing short fiction.

He delves into the lives of ordinary people, exploring their mundane existences and the everyday challenges they encounter. These are not traditional short stories with a clear beginning, middle, and end; rather, they are more like fleeting snapshots.

Often compared to the American Chekhov (he even writes about him), Carver has the ability to engage the reader quickly, and for the most part, he succeeds.

I believe he is at his finest when he strips away all the artifice and writes from the heart about loneliness, love, and failed relationships.

Of the seven pieces in this collection, four stood out to me as truly excellent. I especially enjoyed 'Intimacy' and 'Blackbird Pie'.

Overall, while these stories may not be as good as some of his previous collections, when compared to many other short-fiction writers, Carver still hits the mark superbly.

His unique style and ability to capture the essence of human experience make his work well worth reading.

Ο Ρέιμοντ Κάρβερ είναι ένας συγγραφέας που εδώ και καιρό ήθελα να διαβάσω. Οι κριτικές και η γενική αποδοχή τον θεωρούν έναν από τους σπουδαιότερους διηγηματογράφους. Συνήθως, το όνομά του αναφέρεται συχνά-πυκνά ως μέτρο σύγκρισης με νέους συγγραφείς που μου αρέσουν πολύ. Οι συγγραφείς αυτοί είναι συγκρατημένοι στις περιγραφές τους, έχουν μια φαινομενικά απλή γλώσσα, λιτή και μάλλον αρρενωπή, αλλά που κρύβει σαρκασμό και κοινωνική κριτική.

Ο ελέφαντας αποτελεί τις τελευταίες ιστορίες του Κάρβερ. Οι ιστορίες αυτές περιστρέφονται γύρω από μια κοινή θεματολογία, με μοναχικούς, μεσήλικες άντρες, χωρισμένους ή καμιά φορά ξαναπαντρεμένους, και η ζωή τους κινείται σε μια μετριότητα. Δεν συμβαίνει κάτι ιδιαίτερα σημαντικό, αλλά όταν γράφεις τόσο καλά όσο ο Κάρβερ, δεν χρειάζεται κάτι μεγάλο. Γράφει ο Κάρβερ εξαιρετικά: ολιγόλογος, οξυδερκής, αλλά καθόλου εξυπνάκιας. Η ελληνική έκδοση έχει μια εξαιρετική μετάφραση, που κάνει την ανάγνωση τόσο ομαλή που ξεχνάς πως δεν είναι η αυθεντική έκδοση και νομίζεις πως έχει γραφτεί από κάποιον έλληνα.

Δεν είναι ένα βιβλίο που θα αλλάξει δραματικά την αναγνωστική μου καθημερινότητα. Δεν ήρθαν όλα τούμπα μετά την ανάγνωσή του. Είναι όμως ένα βιβλίο που διάβασα χωρίς κόπο και του οποίου η φωνή είναι μια πραγματική έμπνευση για το τι μου ταιριάζει ως συγγραφικός λόγος. Οι τέτοιοι άνθρωποι είναι δάσκαλοι και τα βιβλία τους είναι σαν μια επικοιδομητική διάλεξη περί σωστής μυθοπλασίας. Επιπλέον, οι σπουδαίοι συγγραφείς δεν κρίνονται μόνο από έναν αναγνώστη, αλλά από την συνολική αποδοχή και τον αντίκτυπο που είχαν στους συγκαιρινούς τους συγγραφείς. Εγώ πάντως θα διαβάσω κι άλλα βιβλία του.

I had to read this short story collection for University!

All seven short stories within this collection share a main theme of death, which casts a dark and depressing tone throughout. It was a real challenge for me to establish a connection with the characters. The reading experience wasn't enjoyable at all. I didn't like some of the events that occurred, and in particular, the story titled "Errand" struck me as quite strange. It left me with a sense of unease and confusion. I'm certain that I won't be re-reading this collection. The exploration of death in each story felt too heavy and didn't resonate with me on an emotional level. Maybe others might find something of value in it, but for me, it was a rather disappointing read.

I'll be looking forward to finding other literary works that can engage and move me in a more positive way.

The first book of Carver that I read is the short story collection "Elephant" (published by @metaixmio).

And I definitely want to read again some of his works.

The 8 short stories in it were amazing. "Menudo" and "Whoever Was Using This Bed" are my favorites.

"Quiet" stories, without any particular plot or climax, as if you are following the thoughts of a simple person who suffers from difficult family situations, problems of alcoholism, economic difficulties, etc.

It is very easy to read, and he is rightly considered the most important short story writer in America.

Carver's writing style is unique. His stories often explore the ordinary lives of ordinary people, revealing the hidden emotions and struggles beneath the surface.

Each story is like a snapshot of a moment in someone's life, yet it manages to convey a profound message.

His use of language is简洁 and precise, making his stories accessible to a wide range of readers.

Overall, reading Carver's stories is a truly enriching experience.

Constant defeat, routine, the life of any man and/or woman who suffers with the daily grind. In "Three Yellow Roses", the tragedy is not exaggerated, nor is catastrophe resorted to. With the account of small events, it has the power to afflict and distress you. I am standing beneath one of the most perceptive authors on the subject of the human condition, and that leaves me satisfied.

Carver writes in a gentle and precise manner. I consider myself a disconnected writer, only writing about my misfortunes, only benefiting from the pen when I am devastated... Whenever I finish any of this author's stories, my spirit is kindled, inspiration dazzles every part that makes up my being. I don't know what it has. What does it do? It is so light, so simple, so precise... It soothes and disturbs you in short periods of time, takes you up and then down to the lowest depths. His paragraphs are musical curves of emotions, musical curves that enter my body and lead me to create, to conceive, to invent universes of stories and words.

I usually don't talk about the content of my readings. I like to avoid those crucial revelations that some call "spoilers". I feel that in this way each person can find their less subjective truth. However, in this case, I will tell you that the best part of the book shows itself towards the end: solitude, the grandeur of death, the savior complex, the loss of the self. All these transcendental themes are touched upon and addressed masterfully in this compilation of stories.

With this book, I can say that I have now read all the short stories that Raymond Carver managed to publish during his lifetime. And I dare to say that there isn't a single bad story in his entire body of work.

The seven short stories that make up "Three Yellow Roses" are of an inexplicable genius. Carver leaves behind minimalism and delves into experimental short stories that are approximately 25 pages each. Solitude, alcohol, pain, and despair萦绕 throughout all these stories, and there are no words to describe what this man means to literature.

Simply, unbeatable.

Simply Carver.

Raymond Carver's works have always been highly regarded in the literary world. His unique writing style and profound exploration of human nature have touched the hearts of countless readers. "Three Yellow Roses" is no exception. Each story in this collection is a masterpiece, filled with vivid characters, complex emotions, and thought-provoking themes. Whether it's the portrayal of a broken relationship, the struggle with addiction, or the search for meaning in life, Carver's words have the power to make us reflect on our own experiences and understand the human condition on a deeper level.

In conclusion, "Three Yellow Roses" is a must-read for anyone who loves literature. It is a testament to Raymond Carver's talent and his place in the history of American literature. I highly recommend this book to all readers, both new and old, who are looking for a truly remarkable reading experience.

I woke up with a migraine today.

It's nothing really, as I'm already used to it. Ever since I became a mother, I've been getting these migraines every month. It's like my body's way of gently reminding me that I can no longer sleep carelessly like a baby.

I then asked my daughter, "Honey, could you please fetch me Elephant from the shelf? I wanna take a pic with it." And yes, I meant the one with the ordinary cover.

This seemingly uninteresting event, however, takes on a whole new significance in the hands of Raymond Carver. The point has been made, and this review could potentially end right here.

Carver draws inspiration from the people next door and crafts literature based on their daily routines. In his stories, you shouldn't expect to find grand actions, but rather, the emotion will inevitably find its way to you.

So why read his works? It's because he has the remarkable ability to seize the moment, to grasp the extraordinary that lies within the ordinary, and to create art out of the simplest aspects of life. His stories have a way of making us see the world around us in a whole new light.

I had firmly believed that I had already delved into every single short story penned by Raymond Carver. I had perused "Shortcuts" on numerous occasions and also devoured the extensive volume of stories titled "Where I'm calling from." I was convinced that I was intimately acquainted with every conceivable Carver moment. However, recently, I chanced upon a couple of collections in Readings, and I simply had to read both of them. The remarkable aspect of Carver's works is that it isn't precisely the stories themselves that we recall, but rather those poignant moments.

Take, for instance, the man whose wife has just discovered his affair. He has endured a sleepless night, and in the morning, the only thing he can manage to do is rake the neighbor's lawn. Or consider the husband who refuses to believe that the handwriting in his wife's goodbye note is hers. As she departs, suitcase in hand, there are two horses standing in the front yard.

This is what real life is all about - a tapestry woven from such moments, rather than from life-altering events. The "Elephant" collection has already found its way onto my ever-growing pile of books to be read again... and again... and again.

A wonderful little collection consists of seven stories. It is truly remarkable, and I wouldn't desire to have more of them. Each story stands out on its own, being completely unique. The beauty and the sadness of each moment are vividly portrayed, and all the characters seem so alive and yet so prone to making mistakes.

Reading this collection reminded me of Hopper's paintings. Once, there was an exhibition here in London. I went there and simply sat in the middle of the hall for a long time, looking at the paintings. I was unable to move or think, completely沉浸 in the atmosphere they created.

Among all the stories in this collection, my favorite one is "The Intimacy". It has a special charm that吸引 me deeply. The story unfolds in a way that makes me feel as if I am right there with the characters, experiencing their emotions and relationships.

Brutal

The term "brutal" is often used to describe something that is extremely harsh, cruel, or violent. It can refer to a wide range of situations, from a brutal attack or war to a brutal work environment or personal experience.

A brutal act is one that causes great pain and suffering, both physically and emotionally. It can leave lasting scars and have a profound impact on the lives of those affected. Brutality can take many forms, such as physical abuse, verbal aggression, or psychological torture.

In society, we often see examples of brutality in the news or in our daily lives. It can be difficult to understand why some people are capable of such extreme behavior, but it is important to recognize that brutality is a serious issue that requires our attention and action. We must work together to promote peace, kindness, and respect for one another, and to do everything we can to prevent brutality from occurring in the first place.

It has seemed to me a monumental pain in the neck.

I suppose I can't understand how the mind of a tortured middle-aged man who has 173,628 ex-wives and faces everything with indifference works.

Perhaps his experiences have numbed his emotions, or maybe he has developed a coping mechanism that allows him to appear indifferent.

But it's hard to imagine going through so many failed relationships and still being able to carry on as if nothing has happened.

Maybe there's more to his story than meets the eye, and we'll never truly understand what's going on inside his head.

All we can do is observe and wonder at the complexity of the human psyche.

Simple, daily, almost absurd, it makes us walk on a flat straight line without climbs and intensities in parallel, however, on a cliff full of chaos and depth. You have nothing but to look.

This description presents a rather interesting contrast. On one hand, there is the simplicity and ordinariness of a flat straight path, which seems easy and uneventful. But on the other hand, there is the chaos and depth of a cliff, which is full of unknowns and challenges.

It makes one wonder which path is more desirable. Is it the safe and easy one, or the one that offers excitement and adventure?

Maybe it's a combination of both. We need the stability and routine of the flat path to ground us, but we also need the excitement and chaos of the cliff to keep us alive and inspired.

Thank you @intellectual_thighs - follow on Instagram - for the proposal.