The book is short and its story is simple.

However, it manages to achieve an unexpected intensity and depth, which are somewhat similar to those that Raymond Carver reaches with his short stories.

The brevity of the book does not limit its ability to engage the reader and draw them into a world that is both familiar and yet full of surprises.

The simple story is told with a masterful hand, using language that is both evocative and precise.

The result is a work that is not only a pleasure to read but also one that lingers in the mind long after the final page has been turned.

Like Carver's stories, this book has the power to make us see the world in a new light and to appreciate the beauty and complexity that lies within the ordinary.

A True Marvel. Highly Advisable from Every Aspect.

This is not just a simple statement, but a fact that cannot be ignored. When we encounter something that is truly a marvel, it has the power to amaze and inspire us. It could be a work of art, a scientific discovery, or a natural wonder.

From every aspect, this marvel展现出 unique魅力 and价值. Its beauty might be breathtaking, its functionality might be revolutionary, or its significance might be far-reaching.

It is advisable to explore and experience this marvel to the fullest. We can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of its qualities, and perhaps even be inspired to create something wonderful ourselves.

Whether it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity or something that we can enjoy on a regular basis, a true marvel is something that should not be missed. It is a source of inspiration and wonder that can enrich our lives and make us see the world in a new light.

So, the next time you come across a true marvel, take the time to soak it in and let it work its magic on you. You won't be disappointed.

"آشفته اما ساده و روان" can be translated as "Worried but simple and calm". This phrase seems to describe a state of mind where one may be facing concerns or uncertainties, yet still maintaining a certain level of simplicity and tranquility within.

Life often presents us with various challenges and situations that can make us feel worried or anxious. However, it is in these moments that the ability to remain simple and calm becomes crucial. By simplifying our thoughts and focusing on the essential, we can better navigate through the difficulties.

Being simple means not overcomplicating things and seeing the situation for what it truly is. It allows us to approach problems with a clear and rational mind. And being calm enables us to maintain our composure and make better decisions, even in the face of stress.

In conclusion, "Worried but simple and calm" is a state of mind that we should strive to achieve. It helps us to balance our emotions and应对 life's challenges with grace and dignity.

The second time I read it, I liked it a lot more.

It was as if a new layer of understanding had emerged, revealing the hidden depths and beauty within the text.

The words seemed to flow more smoothly, and the ideas presented were more captivating.

I found myself more engaged with the story, empathizing with the characters and their experiences.

It was a truly enjoyable reading experience, and I couldn't wait to explore more of what the author had to offer.

I think this second reading has opened my eyes to the true potential of the piece, and I look forward to many more readings in the future.

Corta y entretenida. Como siempre, Wolff nunca defrauda.

Wolff siempre ha sido conocido por ofrecer contenido corto y fascinante que mantiene a los lectores enganchados desde el primer momento. Sus obras son una mezcla de inteligencia, humor y creatividad que resultan irresistible para aquellos que buscan un momento de distracción.

Ya sea una historia corta, un artículo o un poema, Wolff sabe cómo captar la atención del público y mantenerla hasta el final. Su estilo es claro y directo, pero a la vez lleno de matices y sutilezas que hacen que cada lectura sea una experiencia única.

Además, Wolff tiene la capacidad de transmitir ideas complejas de manera sencilla y accesible, lo que hace que su trabajo sea ampliamente disfrutado por personas de todas las edades y niveles educativos. Si estás buscando algo corto y entretenido para leer, no dudes en echar un vistazo a las obras de Wolff. No te defraudará.

Wow! I finished The Barracks Thief just before going to bed last night. However, I couldn't fall asleep right away. This is a pretty good indication of the high quality of this work of literature. In fact, it quickly rose to near the top of my list of My Favorite Novellas of All-Time.

Several other great novellas come to my mind, such as Legends of the Fall, A River Runs Through It (which could form a nice trilogy with The Barracks Thief), and A Month in the Country.

Despite being only 122 pages long, there was still plenty of time to savor Wolff’s crystalline prose and to “notice and fondle details” that even Nabokov would have underlined. The story is of my favorite type: a remembrance years later of a significant turning point. It packs a powerful punch and presents an eternal truth in a new way:

“Nothing will ever be the way it could have been. Whatever happens, it will always be a little less.”

This profound statement really makes you think about the nature of life and the choices we make.

I am not entirely certain whether I came across this particular work in the 90s when I was reading another book penned by the same author. The title of this short story, which spans a mere 102 pages, is somewhat misleading yet undeniably an attention grabber. It delves deeper into the experiences of three soldiers, specifically FNG's - those fucking new guys - who report to the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg during the Vietnam era.

As I was reading, I couldn't help but feel a sense of familiarity with the territory being described. It was as if I had stepped into a world that I had encountered before, perhaps through other literary works or historical accounts. The story seems to offer a unique perspective on the lives of these young soldiers, thrust into a war-torn environment with all its uncertainties and challenges.

Despite its brevity, the author manages to paint a vivid picture of the soldiers' experiences, their fears, hopes, and the bonds that they form in the face of adversity. It makes me eager to explore more of the author's works and see what other insights they have to offer about this tumultuous period in history.

**The Barracks Thief: A Captivating Tale**

The Barracks Thief by Tobias Wolff (Ecco Press 1994) is a remarkable work of fiction. This short novel, which won the 1985 PEN/Faulkner Award for fiction, truly deserves the accolade. Set during the Vietnam conflict at an Army boot camp, it unfolds as a fable about the events that befall three enlistees assigned to guard their base ammo dump over the Fourth of July weekend. It delves deep into the mysteries and uncertainties of the human mind. I was completely engrossed in this story, and yet, it felt almost too brief. The hardback I read was just 101 pages long, and it took me only about ninety minutes to finish. But such was my absorption that the time flew by in an instant. Wolff has masterfully crafted a great story that is told with great skill. I was truly sorry when it came to an end. If you have a penchant for fiction, you must give this one a try. It is as satisfying and rewarding a read as I have come across in a long while.

My rating: 8/10, finished 6/26/23 (3824).

Vietnam bound new army recruits join an infantry company at Ft. Bragg.

Here, a barrack's thief commences a stealing spree, which leads to friends being under suspicion.

The situation eventually escalates to violence and some form of redemption.

As a veteran, I have a penchant for giving stories about soldiers a fair chance. However, unfortunately, this particular one failed to meet my expectations.

A certain portion of it was interesting, yet the conclusion was lackluster. In the end, I ceased reading, realizing that very little of significance had actually occurred.

Regrettably, I cannot recommend this story.

Wow! What a truly gripping story it is!

Despite being relatively short, consisting of only about 100 pages, it packs a powerful punch.

This book is an absolute must-read for anyone who had to deal with the draft or was directly affected by the Vietnam War during the 1960s and 1970s.

It offers a unique and poignant perspective on that tumultuous era.

Even if you didn't experience those times firsthand but love someone who did, this story will still resonate deeply with you.

It has the ability to transport you back in time and make you feel the emotions and struggles of those who lived through it.

So, don't miss out on this amazing literary gem.

Vietnam was a war that witnessed a significant number of young men enlisting.

Some of these young soldiers were better equipped than others, perhaps having access to more advanced weaponry and gear.

However, the majority of them were just barely out of high school, still in the process of maturing and finding their place in the world.

This description might have seemed more timely and relevant in 1984 when this account was published.

The writing is clear and minimal, presenting a straightforward picture of the situation.

It allows the reader to easily envision the young men who were thrust into the chaos of war, with their varying levels of preparation and experience.

Despite its simplicity, the description manages to capture the essence of the Vietnam War and the impact it had on the lives of these young soldiers.

It serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served and the importance of understanding the historical context of such conflicts.

The novel "The Orchard Keeper" is by the American author Tobias Wolff, who has won many awards including the PEN/Faulkner Award. Also, this book received the title of the best fictional work in 1985.

The first part of the book, which is told from the third-person perspective, narrates the life of a young boy whose father abandons the family one day, and their lives are disrupted. Philip, the eldest son of the family, enlists in the army to escape the chaotic situation at home. He is trying to cut off the least amount of ties with his own family and even tries to find his brother who has gone missing in San Francisco.

The second part of the book has a first-person point of view and looks at the events from Philip's perspective. He, along with two other young men who were also part of the army's Rangers, is sent to a crucial depot before being deployed to the Vietnam War. During this guard duty, among the three young men - Philip, Hubbard, and Lewis - discussions and entanglements occur, and they discover their unexpected capacity for violence. In the discussions that take place among these three young men, the reader gets to know the personality and past of each of them.

During the guard duty at the crucial depot, the three soldiers realize that the neighboring jungle is on fire. Two civilian men approach the soldiers and ask them to abandon the depot, but the three young men refuse this well-intentioned offer and even threaten the two men with a pistol. This incident creates a hidden bond among the three young men. They become friends who believe that they can have each other's backs in all situations, but they never quite click on a deeper level.

***

A part of the review of the book "The Orchard Keeper" that was published on the Avant-garde website by "Dorna Freebers".

For the full text, please visit the link below:

https://avangard.ir/article/348