A great collection indeed.

The menace that lurks beneath what appears to be normal human experiences is truly enthralling. It's as if there is a hidden underbelly to our everyday lives that Carver so skillfully uncovers.

Carver's characters are a reflection of himself, and one aspect that stands out is the significant amount of alcohol they consume. It's as if the alcohol serves as a coping mechanism, a way to numb the pain or escape the reality that they are facing.

Perhaps it is through this excessive drinking that Carver is able to explore the deeper emotions and desires of his characters. It allows us to see their vulnerabilities and the lengths they will go to in order to find some sort of solace.

Overall, this collection offers a fascinating glimpse into the human psyche and the hidden dangers that can lie just beneath the surface of our seemingly ordinary lives.

This work is a clumsy romanticization of white poverty that attempts to pass itself off as dirty realism.

Artistically, it lacks subtlety in all the wrong places. It often comes across as boring, failing to engage the reader on a deeper level.

In terms of style, it can be seen as a more socially conscious version of Hemingway, with a touch of the voyeurism found in a Harmony Korine film. However, it is actually less interesting than that description might suggest.

Despite its flaws, I give it three stars because I do appreciate the effort that went into it and the undeniable influence that Carver has had on later American writers. His work has left an indelible mark on the literary landscape, and this piece, while not without its shortcomings, is still a part of that legacy.

Raymond Carver is a renowned American short story writer, and now, three of his remarkable short story collections have been brought together into one volume.

Each of these collections is filled with stories that are truly extraordinary. Carver's writing style is characterized by its simplicity and directness, yet it manages to convey profound emotions and complex human experiences.

The stories in this compilation explore themes such as love, loss, loneliness, and the struggle for meaning in life. Through his vivid characters and engaging narratives, Carver invites readers to step into the lives of ordinary people and witness their joys and sorrows.

Whether you are a fan of Carver's work or new to his writing, this collection is sure to captivate and move you. It offers a unique opportunity to explore the depth and breadth of Carver's talent and discover the beauty and power of his short stories.

Some of these short stories perform remarkable feats within just twenty pages. In fact, they achieve things that some so-called novels struggle to accomplish even in hundreds of pages.

Two outstanding examples are "Cathedral" and "A Small, Good Thing." These are among the very best stories I have ever had the pleasure of reading.

I am truly overjoyed that this recent re-read in the original language has reaffirmed the profound impression that I had formed years ago when I first read them in translation.

The power and beauty of these short stories lie in their ability to convey complex emotions, explore deep themes, and create vivid characters in a concise yet impactful manner.

It is a testament to the skill and artistry of the authors that they can achieve so much within the limited space of a short story.

Reading these stories again has been a wonderful reminder of the magic that can be found within the pages of a well-crafted short story.

I highly recommend them to anyone who appreciates great literature and wants to experience the power of the written word in its purest form.

A Perspective Challenger and a Life Changer

In our lives, there are often those who emerge as perspective challengers and life changers. These individuals have the power to disrupt our established ways of thinking and inspire us to make significant changes.

They come in various forms - a mentor, a friend, a teacher, or even a stranger. Their words or actions have the ability to open our eyes to new possibilities and push us out of our comfort zones.

By challenging our perspectives, they force us to question our beliefs, values, and assumptions. This process can be uncomfortable, but it is also necessary for personal growth and development.

Life changers, on the other hand, have a more profound impact on our lives. They may introduce us to new ideas, opportunities, or experiences that completely transform our lives. Their influence can be felt in every aspect of our being - our relationships, our careers, our hobbies, and our overall well-being.

Whether it's through their wisdom, their example, or their unwavering support, perspective challengers and life changers have the power to make a lasting difference in our lives. We should be grateful for their presence and be open to the changes they bring.

I'd read two-thirds of this book before I even picked it up. "What We Talk About When We Talk About Love" is one of my favorite short story collections of all time. I've also read "Will You Please Be Quiet, Please?" before, which I didn't find quite as masterful. So my game plan was to dig in by rereading "WWTAWWTAL", just for kicks, and then tackle "Cathedral".

I've finished "WWTAWWTAL" again and I did still like it. There's such terseness in Carver's style of dialogue that I often imagine the characters muttering the words in a monosyllabic tone whilst their arms hang listlessly at their sides like bad actors. This quality became almost overpowering to me at times, even though certain stories, like "A Serious Talk" still had a huge impact on me. He depicts disconnectedness in such an amazing way, especially between husbands and wives, that it strikes me as a beautiful truth instead of leaving me melancholic.

And "Cathedral" is quite amazing. I was worried that he peaked at "WWTAWWTAL" and I would be disappointed... but no! These stories lose a bit of that "bad actor" quality I was talking about in the previous collection. The characters seem, if not more animated, more defined. Carver's strength is in his definition of those moments when we fray, lose our grip, and reach for the bottle. Cheers.

Dark but oh so great...

This simple phrase holds a certain allure. It makes one wonder what exactly lies within the darkness that could be considered great.

Darkness often has a negative connotation, associated with fear, mystery, and the unknown. However, in this context, it seems to have a different meaning.

Perhaps it refers to the hidden potential that lies within each of us, waiting to be discovered. Or maybe it represents the beauty that can be found in the shadows, away from the glare of the spotlight.

It could also suggest that there is something profound and powerful about the things that are not immediately visible or understood.

In a world that often values light and clarity above all else, this phrase challenges us to look beyond the surface and embrace the darkness.

It reminds us that there is much to be learned and gained from the places and experiences that we might initially shy away from.

So, the next time you encounter something dark, don't be afraid. Instead, look closer and see if there is something great hidden within.

Carver has truly achieved the elegance and simplicity of minimalistic prose.

His unique writing style is characterized by the ability to write in a detached way while still being meticulously detailed.

This style creates a great beauty within his works.

There is a deliberate removal of the unimportant elements, which allows him to gently narrate and emphasize what he wants the reader to focus on, listen to, and take note of within his writing.

Carver's prose is like a delicate dance, where every word and phrase is carefully chosen and placed to create a powerful and lasting impact.

His works are not only a pleasure to read but also a source of inspiration for aspiring writers.

They teach us the importance of simplicity, precision, and the power of suggestion in writing.

Carver's minimalistic prose has left an indelible mark on the literary world and will continue to be studied and admired for years to come.

I read 5 or 6 stories today.

They were all so depressing.

The characters in the stories seemed to be facing insurmountable difficulties and hardships.

There was no glimmer of hope or happiness in their lives.

It made me feel really sad and down.

I wonder why the authors chose to write such depressing stories.

Maybe they wanted to show the harsh reality of life or make us appreciate the good things we have.

But still, it was a bit too much for me.

I think I need to read some more positive and uplifting stories to balance out my mood.

Overall, it was an interesting but rather depressing reading experience.

I believe this is one of his earlier works. It was penned during a time when he was still struggling with alcoholism, which gives the book a rather dark and somber tone.

What I truly valued about this book were its regional elements. It painted a vivid picture of the specific area and its unique characteristics.

Additionally, the author's ability to capture people in a single moment of their lives with such simplicity was remarkable. He allows the reader to step into that moment and experience it along with the character, without overwhelming them with a plethora of backstory.

This minimalist approach adds a certain authenticity and rawness to the narrative, making it all the more engaging and thought-provoking.

Overall, despite its darkness, this book offers a unique and captivating reading experience that showcases the author's talent and creativity.

Insight into modern life

Modern life is a complex and multifaceted tapestry. It is a blend of rapid technological advancements, changing social norms, and a constant pursuit of convenience and efficiency.

On one hand, technology has brought us closer together, enabling instant communication and access to a wealth of information. We can connect with people from all over the world with just a few clicks, and stay updated on the latest news and trends. However, this constant connectivity also has its drawbacks. It can lead to information overload, stress, and a sense of disconnection from the real world.

Social norms are also evolving in modern life. Traditional gender roles and family structures are being challenged, and there is a growing acceptance of diversity and individuality. People are more open-minded and willing to explore new ideas and lifestyles.

Despite the many challenges and changes, modern life also offers many opportunities for growth and fulfillment. We can pursue our passions, learn new skills, and make a positive impact on the world around us. By being aware of the trends and forces shaping modern life, we can make informed choices and create a life that is meaningful and fulfilling.

Wonderful short stories have implanted themselves vividly in my mind.

The characters in these stories are so perfectly flawed and real, which makes them extremely engaging.

Carver, in particular, has an amazing talent for capturing the subtle things in life.

He is able to brilliantly sum up what makes us human through his detailed descriptions and nuanced characterizations.

His stories often explore themes such as love, loss, and the human condition, and he does so in a way that is both profound and relatable.

Reading his work is like taking a journey into the hearts and minds of his characters, and it leaves a lasting impression.

Overall, these short stories are a testament to the power of literature to touch our souls and make us see the world in a new light.