Good old-fashioned storytelling.

There was nothing overly flashy or ostentatious about this particular narrative. However, I was truly impressed by the vividness of the characters and settings that were presented.

The author had a remarkable ability to bring the story to life, making me feel as if I was right there in the midst of the action.

The characters were well-developed, with their own unique personalities, motives, and flaws. I found myself easily empathizing with them and becoming invested in their fates.

Similarly, the settings were described in such detail that I could picture them clearly in my mind's eye.

From the bustling city streets to the quiet countryside, each location added to the overall atmosphere and mood of the story.

I have a strong feeling that these characters and settings will stay with me for a very long time, continuing to influence my thoughts and emotions long after I have finished reading.

It is this kind of powerful and engaging storytelling that truly stands the test of time.

For me, it was so boring that if it was long, I would skip it.

The story starts with the father of the family and continues with the son of the family, but in fact, it is about a soldier who steals from the luggage and finally the story is wrapped up and ends.

Just like that, all jumbled up and dull.

This kind of story fails to engage my interest. It lacks excitement and a clear narrative arc. The characters seem one-dimensional and the plot is rather simplistic. I would have preferred a more complex and captivating story that would keep me on the edge of my seat. Maybe if the author had added more details, developed the characters better, and created a more interesting conflict, the story would have been more enjoyable. As it stands, it is just another forgettable tale that fails to leave a lasting impression.

The last page of this slim, powerful novella gave me such a chill 5 years ago that I decided to read it again. "Addicted to comfort" rings especially loudly now.

As I delved back into the story, I found myself reflecting on the words of the protagonist. He said, "I didn't set out to be what I am, either. I'm a conscientious man, a responsible man, maybe even what you'd call a good man—I hope so." It made me wonder how many of us start with good intentions but end up in a place we never expected.

He also confessed, "But I'm also a careful man, addicted to comfort, with an eye for the safe course." This addiction to comfort can often hold us back from taking risks and experiencing new things. We become so accustomed to the familiar that we are afraid to step out of our comfort zones.

The protagonist's neighbors appreciate him because they know he will never cause trouble. He won't give his lawn over to the cultivation of marijuana, or send his wife weeping to their doorsteps at three o'clock in the morning, or expect them to be his friends. He is content with his life most of the time.

But then he has those moments when he remembers a day from his past, a day when he was a reckless man with reckless friends. It's those memories that make him question his current way of life and wonder if he is truly happy.

A near-perfect novella awaits the reader. It is tightly constructed, with not an excessive number of characters or an overly complex plot. Wolff shows remarkable skill in keeping his focus laser sharp throughout. This allows the story to unfold in a seamless and engaging manner, captivating the reader from beginning to end. I find myself truly impressed by this work. Although I cannot recall having read other books by Wolff before, this experience has definitely piqued my interest. I am now eager to explore his other literary offerings and discover what else he has in store for us. I have a feeling that there are many more hidden gems waiting to be unearthed within the pages of his books.