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Back in the World: Stories

tobias wolff

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To American soldiers in Vietnam, "back in the world" meant America and safety. To Tobias Wolff's characters, Back in the World is where lives that have veered out of control just might become normal again. Unfortunately, the men and women in these gripping, pungent, and wonderfully skewed stories have only the vaguest notion of what normal is. A gentle priest finds himself in a Vegas hotel with a hysterical, sun-burned stranger. A show-biz hopeful undergoes a dubious audition in a hearse speeding across the California desert. An aging soldier is distracted from a night of philandering by a gun-toting neighbor and a suicidal enlisted man. As he moves among these unfortunates, Wolff observes the disparity between their realities and their dreams, in ten stories of exhilarating lucidity and grace.

Stories included "The Missing Person," "Say Yes," "The Poor Are Always With Us," "Sister," "Soldier's Joy," "Desert Breakdown," "Our Story Begins," "Leviathan," and "The Rich Brother."

"Terrific...The magic of his fiction cannot be explained. It is the ancient art of the master storyteller."--Tim O'Brien

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1985

This edition

Format
224 pages, Paperback
Published
October 1, 1996 by Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group
ISBN
9780679767961
ASIN
0679767967
Language
English

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About the author

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tobias wolff

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Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 91 votes)
5 stars
35(38%)
4 stars
28(31%)
3 stars
28(31%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
91 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Gbnni
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Tobias is truly at his best in these deeply moving stories.

His ability to craft narratives that tug at the heartstrings is remarkable. Each story is filled with rich emotions and vivid characters that come to life on the page.

The settings are described in such detail that the reader can easily envision themselves within the story.

Tobias has a unique talent for exploring the human condition and uncovering the hidden depths of his characters.

Whether it's a tale of love and loss, or one of hope and redemption, his stories always leave a lasting impression.

Readers will find themselves completely immersed in these deeply moving stories, unable to put the book down until they've reached the final page.

Tobias' work is a testament to his skill as a storyteller and his ability to touch the hearts of his readers.
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Enju_Uoya
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Iconic.

This word truly describes the essence of Wolff's work. There is something about it that makes you want to flip through it again and again.

The way Wolff brings things full circle is simply remarkable. It's as if he has a master plan, carefully weaving together all the elements to create a seamless and satisfying narrative.

Each time you read or view his work, you notice new details and connections that you may have missed before. It's like uncovering a hidden treasure chest with each new exploration.

The circular nature of his creations gives a sense of completeness and closure, yet also leaves room for interpretation and further thought.

Wolff's ability to bring things full circle is a testament to his creativity and artistic vision. It's what makes his work stand out and be loved by so many.

Whether it's in his writing, painting, or any other form of art, this unique quality always shines through.

It's no wonder that his work is considered iconic and will continue to be cherished for years to come.

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BritishRaptor
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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So cleanly realized.

It is so succinct and wonderfully observant of human nature.

Each story is like a magic trick, a sleight of hand.

What the stories are truly about seems to exist nowhere in their words.

The meaning lies beneath the text, submerged.

The stories are like the surface of an ocean.

On the surface, nothing seems to happen and most things remain unexpressed.

However, beneath that calm exterior, emotion, aspiration, morality, and conflict are all explored in-depth.

In my own work, I often rely too much on fancy word smithing, hoping to dazzle the readers or perhaps cover up for having not much of substance to say.

But not so Wolff. He is too confident in himself to make that kind of mistake.

Moreover, he is so intimate with his craft that he doesn't feel the need to impress others with showy language.

This collection of stories is truly a great read, offering deep insights into the human condition in a deceptively simple way.

It makes one reflect on the power of words and the hidden meanings that can be conveyed through seemingly ordinary narratives.

Overall, it is a remarkable work that showcases Wolff's talent as a storyteller.
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Darfy_Doom
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Tobias Wolff is truly an outstanding writer, and this collection of short stories is no different.

His works are not overly ornate or showy. Instead, with simple and basic language, he manages to paint extremely vivid pictures.

For me, the only minor flaw is that I hope the stories would reach a resolution. He sort of leaves the reader wondering how things turn out or if they work out at all.

However, it is highly likely that this is his deliberate intention – to not neatly package and conclude everything.

This way, he engages the readers' imagination and makes them think deeply about the various possibilities and implications within the stories.

Overall, despite this small aspect that might leave some readers longing for more finality, Tobias Wolff's collection of short stories is still a remarkable piece of literature that showcases his great talent and skill as a writer.
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puzze
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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These are just great American short stories.

The scope and the subjects they cover are simple and beautiful, presenting a different side of America.

The landscapes described are stark, lacking the usual glorification and excess.

The voice within the stories is stern, not filled with the romantic American imagination that often revolves around fast cars, bikinis, and television sets.

Wolff, with great skill, captures the inner turmoil of American life beautifully.

He delves deep into the hearts and minds of his characters, revealing their fears, hopes, and struggles.

These short stories are not just entertaining; they are a reflection of the real America, with all its flaws and virtues.

They make the reader think and feel, and perhaps gain a new understanding of the complex tapestry that is American life.
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klesun
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The five stars are for the only story I've read - "Say Yes".

This story truly stands out. It has a captivating plot that keeps the reader engaged from start to finish. The characters are well-developed, and their emotions and struggles feel real.

The author's writing style is also very effective. The use of vivid descriptions and dialogues brings the story to life.

"Say Yes" explores themes such as love, commitment, and the power of communication. It makes the reader think about their own relationships and the importance of being open and honest with one another.

Overall, I highly recommend this story. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good love story with a deeper meaning.

I can't wait to see what else the author has in store for us.
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GodsPetHuman
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This is the best collection by this author.

It showcases a remarkable range of his or her literary talents. The stories and works within this collection are carefully crafted, each one offering a unique perspective and engaging the reader from start to finish.

The author's writing style is distinct and captivating, drawing the reader into a world of vivid imagination and deep emotions. Whether it's a thrilling adventure, a heartwarming romance, or a thought-provoking exploration of human nature, this collection has something for everyone.

It is a testament to the author's skill and creativity, and a must-read for fans of literature. With its diverse selection of works, this collection is sure to leave a lasting impression and be cherished for years to come.

Overall, it is当之无愧 the best collection by this author.
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fourthpetal
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I truly relished Tobias Wolff's short story collection, "Back In The World."

I first came across his writing during a Creative Writing class in college when we delved into the outstanding short story, "In the Garden of North American Martyrs."

Recently, I also read his remarkable memoir, "A Boy’s Life," which chronicled his upbringing in the Pacific Northwest.

His stories are extraordinary and haunting, with eerily apt details that breathe life into the stories and characters.

The characters in his stories evoke comparisons to Raymond Carver, yet his writing is distinct. He makes astute observations that render the stories even more real.

For instance, "A car horn honked, a small sound in the silence. He listened for it to come again but it didn’t, and the silence seemed to grow. Again he felt the desert around him."

One of his more entertaining tales is about a Seattle priest who finds himself in Vegas with a hysterical and lonely woman in "The Missing Person."

I believe all of the stories are robust and possess their own merits. "Coming Attractions," written from the perspective of a teenage girl, is masterfully executed.

And I found both "Soldier’s Joy" and "Desert Breakdown" equally intriguing.

All in all, this is an extremely potent collection.

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