The Stories of Raymond Carver

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Will You Please Be Quiet, Please?
What We Talk About When We Talk About Love.
Cathedral

447 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1985

About the author

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Carver was born into a poverty-stricken family at the tail-end of the Depression. He married at 19, started a series of menial jobs and his own career of 'full-time drinking as a serious pursuit', a career that would eventually kill him. Constantly struggling to support his wife and family, Carver enrolled in a writing programme under author John Gardner in 1958. He saw this opportunity as a turning point.

Rejecting the more experimental fiction of the 60s and 70s, he pioneered a precisionist realism reinventing the American short story during the eighties, heading the line of so-called 'dirty realists' or 'K-mart realists'. Set in trailer parks and shopping malls, they are stories of banal lives that turn on a seemingly insignificant detail. Carver writes with meticulous economy, suddenly bringing a life into focus in a similar way to the paintings of Edward Hopper. As well as being a master of the short story, he was an accomplished poet publishing several highly acclaimed volumes.

After the 'line of demarcation' in Carver's life - 2 June 1977, the day he stopped drinking - his stories become increasingly more redemptive and expansive. Alcohol had eventually shattered his health, his work and his family - his first marriage effectively ending in 1978. He finally married his long-term parter Tess Gallagher (they met ten years earlier at a writers' conference in Dallas) in Reno, Nevada, less than two months before he eventually lost his fight with cancer.

Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 35 votes)
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35 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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I recently read the short story "Popular Mechanics".

I was really impressed by it. It's essentially a modern-day retelling of the Solomon story from the Bible.

The way it's told is quite ordinary, yet it still manages to be extremely powerful.

The story presents a situation that is both relatable and thought-provoking. It makes you think about human nature, relationships, and the choices we make.

Despite its simplicity, it has a profound impact on the reader.

It shows that even in the most ordinary of circumstances, there can be great drama and significance.

The author has done a wonderful job of capturing the essence of the original story and presenting it in a fresh and engaging way.

I would highly recommend this short story to anyone who enjoys thought-provoking literature.
July 15,2025
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He is a person who has no fear of discussing the ordinary.

In fact, most of the time, he is not afraid to express it in an ordinary manner.

However, what makes him special is that he always manages to find a way to make the ordinary sound remarkable.

Each and every story he tells is like a precious gem, shining with unique charm and value.

He has the ability to see the extraordinary in the ordinary and present it in a way that catches people's attention and makes them think.

Whether it's a simple daily event or a common experience, he can turn it into a captivating narrative that leaves a lasting impression on the listener.

His way of looking at the world and his talent for storytelling make him a truly interesting and engaging individual.
July 15,2025
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I don't know how many ways there are to tell a story, but Raymond Carver's must be among the better ones.

He employs a simple and clear language that endows substance to just about anything he uncovers, whether it's a man or an animal, a street, a house, or an ashtray.

There's yet another aspect. His stories can gain momentum and move extremely fast. Before you even realize it, you find yourself in a different place.

He writes about ordinary people and their ordinary lives, sometimes with a slightly odd twist. You might think you wouldn't care, but in fact, you do. People grapple with their partners, with themselves, and occasionally with a sunset.

The dialogue is近乎完美. Completely unadorned and free of any pretensions. I have already read one of the three collections in this volume, but now, in this entirety, they seem even more special.
July 15,2025
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For Americans who are eager to track down this UK edition, there are a few aspects that I should mention.

It's not about every single breath the man took, but this collection is truly worthy of being tracked down.

The drawbacks are that the binding appears to be a bit flimsy (it seems that this is how many British books are bound??). Also, the book is rather difficult to navigate as the story titles are not listed at the top of each page, and there is no single table of contents at the beginning.

The pagination is more concise, which combines all three volumes into 450 pages.

It's really great to have all the essential content within one cover, and it's quite cool to be able to read shorter stories like "the father" and "popular mechanics" without having to turn a page. This UK edition has its pros and cons, but overall, it offers a unique reading experience for those who manage to get their hands on it.
July 15,2025
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You gotta love some depressed and alcoholic mid-century Americans.

These individuals lived in a time of great change and upheaval. The post-war era brought with it new challenges and opportunities, but for many, it also led to feelings of isolation and despair.

Depression and alcoholism were common among this group, as they struggled to come to terms with the new reality. Some turned to drink as a way to numb the pain, while others simply withdrew from society.

Despite their difficulties, however, these mid-century Americans also had a certain charm and appeal. Their stories are a reminder of the human spirit's ability to persevere in the face of adversity.

Whether it's through art, literature, or music, their experiences have been immortalized and continue to resonate with audiences today.

So the next time you think about the mid-century era, don't forget to spare a thought for these depressed and alcoholic Americans. They may have had their demons, but they also had a lot to offer.

July 15,2025
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I watched the movie "Stuck in Love", and I was deeply impressed by the last sentence of Raymond Carver's one book.

The sentence is: "When we talk about love, Carver in the last lines of the book says, 'I could hear my heart beating'. 'I could hear everyone's heart' and I could hear the human noise we sat there making. When there is no light no one of us move..... I think that's called the writing."

This sentence really touched me. It makes me feel that love is such a profound and mysterious thing. It can make our hearts beat faster, and it can also make us feel the connection between each other.

That's what I wanna read the books of Raymond Carver. I believe that through his works, I can better understand the meaning of love and life. I am looking forward to exploring the world of his literature and experiencing the emotions and thoughts that he conveys.
July 15,2025
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California, often regarded as the land of promise, opportunity, and fame, can also have a darker side. It can be seen as the land of strip malls, sorrow, and failure. In Carver's work, we see these drinking, playing players dancing around with illusions of grandeur. However, they are completely unaware that they are actually alcoholics, living pathetic and lost lives.

One particular story that stands out is that of the drunk fishermen. They go on a weekend camping trip and stumble upon a dead body in a creek. Instead of taking immediate action, they decide to simply tie it to the bank so it won't float away and then continue fishing and drinking for a few more days. Only after they hike back do they finally tell people.

All of Carver's stories have a certain charm and impact. They are a great read, filled with complex characters and thought-provoking situations. I would highly recommend this collection to anyone looking for a deep and engaging literary experience. FIVE FABULOUS STARS.
July 15,2025
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Witty stories with hidden lessons are truly captivating.

These tales have the power to engage and entertain while also imparting valuable wisdom. However, to truly appreciate and enjoy them to the fullest, one must have a deep understanding of US culture.

The nuances, traditions, and social norms that are embedded within these stories can often be lost on those who are not familiar with the cultural context.

By delving into the rich tapestry of US culture, one can unlock the true meaning and significance behind these witty stories.

It allows for a more profound connection with the characters, the plot, and the underlying lessons.

Whether it's through literature, film, or oral traditions, these stories offer a unique window into the American way of life.

So, take the time to explore and learn about US culture, and discover the hidden treasures within these witty and insightful stories.
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