Raymond Carver was an author that I learned about a few years ago.

I read an interview he did with Pinar Ogunc, and if I'm not mistaken, he listed the authors who influenced him.

Then I read Pinar Ogunc's "Aksi Gibi" and really liked it.

After that, I said to myself that I should read this Carver too.

Then the Carver books got warm, wrinkled, and moldy in my bags as they traveled here and there.

Then I realized that Ayca Sabuncuoglu was an excellent translator.

Then from time to time, I started reminding myself to read the other translations by this woman.

These days, I wanted to read the Carver books again.

And again, I thought of Pinar Ogunc and again I reminded myself of Ayca Sabuncuoglu.

This is the Carver cycle.

In my opinion, the story is exactly what Carver did. I recommend reading it with infinite loops.

I have never really liked reading stories, but I fell in love with this book. The stories in the book are written in a simple language, which immediately draws the reader in and keeps them hooked. This has become the book that has had the greatest impact on me in recent times. 'The Horse' and 'Boxes' were my favorite stories.

Raymond Carver entered my list of favorite authors with just this one book that I read. His writing style is so unique and engaging that it makes me want to explore more of his works. I am truly amazed by his ability to tell such powerful stories with such simplicity.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading short stories. It is a collection that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

This was my last book of 2021, and the first one I have read by Raymond Carver. I can say that I really enjoyed it because I read it between Christmas and the end of the year, a time that doesn't excite me too much.

In the six stories that make up "Three Yellow Roses", there are desperate beings living together, conflicted by love, family, and work relationships; characters who suffer from daily life, routine, and habit. However, there is an effect that all these stories share, and it is a sense of a greater reflection that transcends the end, as if the reader is invited to reflect on the situation. And at least in me, this leads, paradoxically, towards hope in our own attitudes and ways of relating to the world and others.

Carver's writing style is simple yet powerful. His stories are filled with ordinary people facing ordinary problems, but he manages to make them extraordinary through his keen观察力 and ability to capture the essence of human nature. Each story in "Three Yellow Roses" is a gem, and I found myself completely engrossed in them from start to finish.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading short stories that are both thought-provoking and emotionally engaging. It is a book that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

From my favorite storytellers,

I loved all of them. I have no words for Boxes, The Elephant, The Chocolate Cake... All of them! And finally, an ode to Chekhov.

These storytellers have the ability to transport me to different worlds and make me feel a wide range of emotions. Their works are like precious gems that I cherish. Each story is unique and captivating, with its own charm and message. Whether it's the humorous and light-hearted tales or the more profound and thought-provoking ones, they all have a special place in my heart.

Their writing styles are diverse, yet they all share a common thread of excellence. They use words masterfully to create vivid images in my mind and bring the characters to life. I find myself completely immersed in their stories, eagerly turning the pages to see what happens next. These storytellers have truly made a lasting impact on me and have become an important part of my literary journey.

My first encounter with Carver was truly a remarkable experience.

I was immediately drawn to his stories and his unique writing style.

His ability to bring the characters and their emotions to life on the page was simply captivating.

Each story seemed to have its own distinct flavor, yet they all shared a common thread of authenticity and depth.

Carver's use of simple language and concise sentences added to the power of his writing, making it accessible to a wide range of readers.

I found myself completely immersed in his world, eager to turn the page and discover what would happen next.

Overall, my first experience with Carver's work left a lasting impression on me, and I look forward to exploring more of his stories in the future.

As I read these stories, I feel as if I am spying on other people's lives, entering their intimacy without being invited, like a voyeur. The stories are concise and direct, with nothing superfluous. I especially liked "Elephant", which is about a man burdened by his aristocratic relatives and the debts they bring. At the end, the speed of a car and the power of a machine on the road cut through the mundane issues of life.

Particularly worthy of mention is the story about Anton Chekhov, "Three Yellow Roses", a magnificent account of the writer's last days, of the strangeness that plagues the act of dying and how the environment changes because of it. It offers a poignant and thought-provoking look into the mind and experiences of a great writer in his final moments.

Published in 1988 by the great Raymond Carver, “Elephant and Other Stories” is a remarkable short story collection. It consists of seven diverse stories, each with its own unique charm and impact. While most of the stories deserve a 4 or 5-star rating, there was one that didn't quite resonate with me. Carver's mastery of words sets him apart from the majority of authors. His storytelling is truly at an elevated level.

In this review, I rate each story individually and then calculate the average as the overall rating for the book. However, be warned that some of the individual story reviews may contain a brief synopsis, which could potentially include spoilers. I write my reviews this way for my own future reference, to remember which stories are worth rereading and which ones aren't. Although I try not to spoil the good stories, if you do come across a spoiler, it will likely be in a story that I didn't like and have no intention of reading again. To avoid spoilers, you can skip to the bottom of the review where it says “FINAL VERDICT”.

The collection includes stories like “BOXES”, which is about a couple, Jill and the narrator, who move into a new house after failed marriages. Their relationship is tested when the narrator's mother relocates to be closer to him. The mother's constant nagging and negativity strain the relationship, and after six months, she decides to go back to California. This story is both good and depressing, as it shows the mother's unhappiness and the challenges of family relationships.

“WHOEVER WAS USING THIS BED” is another interesting story. Jack and his wife Iris receive a late-night phone call from a drunk woman asking for “Bud”. Jack hangs up, but the woman keeps calling back. The interruption leaves them both unable to sleep, and they start smoking and chatting. The conversation leads to a discussion about death and the question of whether they would pull the plug if one of them became a vegetable. This story has some humor and irony at the end.

“INTIMACY” is a story about a narrator, a well-known writer, who visits his ex-wife's house. She unleashes her pent-up anger and frustration on him, revealing the pain and hurt she has been carrying for the past ten years. The cause of their divorce is left unclear, but it is evident that she has not forgiven him. This story has a depressing ending, but it also makes you feel pity for both characters.

“MENUDO” is a story about a cheating man who is having an affair with his neighbor, Amanda. He plans to leave his wife and live with Amanda, but she is also married and has confessed to her husband. The story explores the consequences of infidelity and the choices that the characters have to make. As someone who has experienced infidelity, I found myself rooting for the narrator to get what he deserved.

“ELEPHANT” is the toughest story in the collection. It is about a successful man whose blood-sucking relatives constantly ask him for money. He is unable to say no, and as a result, he is dragged into their financial problems. By the end of the story, you want to slap the narrator for being so stupid and also wish that his family members would face some consequences. However, the story does have a moment of irony that provides a bit of comic relief.

“BLACKBIRD PIE” is a sad story about a failing marriage. A woman leaves her husband after writing him a long letter. The story doesn't go into detail about the reasons for her decision, but it is clear that she has been through a lot. The husband is left bewildered and wondering how he will move on without her. This story will resonate with anyone who has experienced divorce or the end of a relationship.

Finally, “ERRAND” is a story about the death of Anton Chekhov. It is a different kind of story compared to the others in the collection, and it wraps up the book well. The writing style seems a bit different in parts, but it is still a good story.

Overall, I give “Elephant and Other Stories” 4 out of 5 stars. The collection contains some very depressing stories that are true to life and will make you think about the relationships and experiences in your own life. Carver's writing is excellent, and he has a talent for creating complex and believable characters. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys short stories that explore the hard realities of life.

If these stories had been distributed in his other books, they would be fine.

Now, all together, being so similar without any one standing out, it leaves a bitter taste. "Horses in the Fog" is the best, and I don't think it would enter a top ten of his stories.

All cases of separated men or on the verge, and to top it off, the death of Chekhov described with that minimalism so characteristic of Carver.

A dispensable author whom I love, but whom I prefer melancholic rather than sad, humiliated and pessimistic.

Carver's stories often explore the lives of ordinary people, their struggles, and their relationships. In this collection, while some of the stories have their merits, the overall similarity makes it a bit underwhelming. "Horses in the Fog" stands out to some extent, but it still may not be enough to place it among the very best of his works. The minimalist style, which is a trademark of Carver, is both a strength and a weakness here. It allows for a certain directness and simplicity, but it also sometimes feels too sparse and lacking in depth. Overall, this collection is a bit of a disappointment for fans of Carver, but it still contains some interesting and thought-provoking stories.

Güzel, farklı öyküler! They are like precious gems shining in the vast ocean of literature. Drawn from the depths of life, they present us with the most ordinary yet captivating daily dialogues and an engaging narrative style. Each story has its own unique charm, transporting the readers into a world of emotions and experiences.

Among all the stories, the ones that I liked the most are "Kutular" and "Ayak İşi". These two tales have managed to touch my heart in a special way. The characters in these stories are so vividly portrayed that they seem to come alive right before my eyes. The plot twists and turns keep me on the edge of my seat, eager to know what will happen next.

The beauty of these stories lies not only in their entertainment value but also in the profound messages they convey. They make me reflect on life, love, and the human condition. I find myself completely immersed in the world of these stories, and I can't wait to share them with others.

This is a really wonderful collection of stories.

I think I loved a little more the "homeliness" and the "elephant".

The concept of "homeliness" in the stories gives a sense of warmth and familiarity, as if we are returning to a place that is truly our own.

It makes us feel a connection with the characters and their lives, as if we are part of their world.

And the "elephant"! It adds an element of mystery and wonder to the collection.

It makes us think about the hidden aspects of our lives and the unexpected things that can come our way.

Overall, this collection of stories is a great read that will keep you engaged and entertained from start to finish.

I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good story.

Short and beautiful. That's it. That's how I define Carver's works.

Each story is poignant, evocative, and unique, enriched with quotidian plots. The way he weaves vague sadness and melancholy into the stories is quite remarkable.

This is a collection of Raymond Carver's last stories before his death. Undoubtedly, his command and magnificence over these stories are easy to recognize.

Carver has a unique ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences in the simplest of ways. His writing style is spare and minimalist, yet it manages to convey a profound depth of feeling.

Reading these stories is like taking a journey into the lives of ordinary people, experiencing their joys and sorrows, their hopes and dreams. It is a powerful and moving experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Overall, this collection is a testament to Carver's genius as a writer and a must-read for anyone who appreciates great literature.

The Elephant was the last unread book I had from Carver. I kept it there on the edge and didn't pick it up because then it would be over and what I had to read from this wonderful type who has drilled so deeply into my mind.

These last stories were a bit different from what I had read in the past from Carver. Without being overwhelmed by anything cheerful, they didn't have that claustrophobic and parsimonious feeling that some of his other writings had. His writing is effortless and doesn't hit you in the face against the walls of the apartments. There were even times when the story moved on the verge of a dramatic comedy (The Elephant).

Perhaps this also has to do with the bright last period of his life. Where he finally lived ten happy years next to Tess Gallagher.

Raymond, I hope some more locked trunks with your forgotten writings are found.