The Stories Of Tobias Wolff.

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This volume brings together all the stories from Tobias Wolff's collections Hunters in the Snow (1982) and Back in the World (1985) with his intense short novel The Barrack's Thief - winner of the 1984 PEN/Faulkner Award. These are works which impart powerful realisations of the discrepancy between the everyday world and our secret dreams and aspirations, hallmarked with a craftsmanship that has eaned the author three O. Henry Prizes.

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Rating(4.2 / 5.0, 16 votes)
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16 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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Augstākās raudzes stāsti par lūzeriem, kuri dreifē cauri dzīvei, līdz ietriecas paši sava lūzerisma sienā.

These are the highest tales of tears about losers who drift through life until they run into the very wall of their own loser-ness.

They meander aimlessly, without a clear direction or purpose. Their days are filled with half-hearted attempts and missed opportunities.

They seem to be constantly swimming against the current, but never quite able to make any real progress.

As they continue on this path, they gradually become trapped by their own shortcomings and insecurities.

Their self-doubt grows stronger with each passing day, until it eventually becomes an insurmountable barrier.

And yet, despite all of this, there is still a glimmer of hope within them, a small spark that refuses to be extinguished.

Perhaps one day, they will find the strength and courage to break free from the shackles of their loser status and embark on a new and fulfilling journey.

July 15,2025
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What a dreadfully boring book it is, filled with equally boring characters.

I have just managed to finish it, but unfortunately, I can only recall the very last story.

I am completely at a loss as to why this book has received such glowing reviews.

It seems rather perplexing to me.

Thankfully, it is now all over, and I can finally move onwards and upwards.

I look forward to finding a more engaging and interesting read that will truly capture my attention and imagination.

No longer will I have to endure the tedium of this particular book.

Onward and upward, I go, in search of better literary adventures.

July 15,2025
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Just finished the CLASS PICTURE on 8/3/2010.

It was an exciting moment for all of us. We gathered together, dressed in our best, with smiles on our faces. The photographer arranged us in different positions, making sure to capture every detail.

As the camera clicked, we knew that this would be a memory to cherish. The class picture represents a snapshot of our time together, a moment frozen in time.

Looking at the picture later, we will be able to remember the faces of our classmates, the friendships we formed, and the experiences we shared. It will be a reminder of the good times we had in that particular class.

The CLASS PICTURE is not just a photograph; it is a symbol of our unity and togetherness as a class.
July 15,2025
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Way back when I delved into The Night in Question, I held the view that Wolff was second only to Raymond Carver as an exponent of a particular type of story.

Subsequently, I perused Our Story Begins, a collection of selected and new tales, which merely affirmed my previous suspicion. (Although by this time, I had come to the realisation that Alice Munro was, if not necessarily a superior story writer to Carver, surely on par with anyone I had read within that genre.) Regarding Wolff, I thought he was up there, his stories were justifiably anthologised en masse, and so on.

Rereading some of these stories was both pleasurable and slightly disappointing. All those initial impressions I had, that these were canonical American stories and Wolff was a master, now became problematic. Not only because I am now convinced that I was mistaken, but also because I realise that Wolff shares the same belief I once had, and this is a significant part of the issue. I can't help but sense that these stories were crafted with an air of aspiring to be immediate classics. They are self-consciously 'timeless' in a manner that hopes to resonate with Maupassant, Chekhov, and yes, Raymond Carver. However, they do not reach that caliber. They are accomplished pieces, yet often feel like pale imitations. They are hindered by the author's timidity and slightly debilitating self-regard. There is no risk involved in any of them, and it is unlikely that you will remember many. But are they good, solid stories? Certainly.
July 15,2025
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I think it must have been more than 20 years ago when I purchased this particular item from the sale rack at LundeQ bookstore in Uppsala. At that time, I was delving deep into the world of literature. However, there were moments when the classics, such as Homer, Vergil, Maeterlinck, Schiller, and Byron, seemed overwhelming. The plethora of expressions they contained made me yearn for something more ordinary. Something that felt a bit like home. Even though the home I associated with was mainly the American suburbs, I could still find a connection.

It's interesting how our tastes and preferences can change over time. What once seemed too complex and distant now holds a certain charm and allure. Maybe it's because as we grow older, we gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and depth of these literary works. Or perhaps it's because we realize that there is beauty and value in both the ordinary and the extraordinary.

Looking back on that purchase from so long ago, I can't help but wonder how this item has influenced my life and my perspective on literature. It has become a part of my personal history, a reminder of a time when I was exploring different literary landscapes and trying to find my own voice. And even though it may not be the most famous or highly regarded work, it holds a special place in my heart.
July 15,2025
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This is a truly wonderful book.

From the moment you pick it up, you are drawn into a captivating world filled with vivid characters and an engaging plot.

The author's writing style is both elegant and accessible, making it a joy to read.

Each page is filled with beautiful descriptions and thought-provoking ideas that will leave you pondering long after you have finished the book.

Whether you are a fan of fiction or non-fiction, this book has something for everyone.

It is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story and wants to be transported to another place and time.

So, if you are looking for a great book to add to your collection, look no further than this wonderful masterpiece.
July 15,2025
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I don't usually read short stories but I really enjoy the writing of TW.

His stories have a unique charm that draws me in from the very beginning.

The characters he creates are vivid and relatable, making it easy for me to become emotionally invested in their lives.

The plots are also engaging, filled with twists and turns that keep me on the edge of my seat.

What I particularly like about TW's writing is his use of language.

His descriptions are so detailed and evocative that I can almost picture the scenes he is描绘ing in my mind.

It's as if I am right there with the characters, experiencing everything they are going through.

In conclusion, although I don't typically gravitate towards short stories, TW's writing has changed my perspective.

I now look forward to reading more of his work and seeing where his imagination takes me.

I would highly recommend his stories to anyone who enjoys good literature.
July 15,2025
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Tobias Wolff is truly at his best in this remarkable collection of short stories. It is my absolute favourite, and I had the great fortune of purchasing it during my master's years at the illustrious Monash University of Melbourne.

Each story within this collection is a gem, crafted with precision and filled with depth. Wolff's ability to create vivid characters and immersive worlds is simply outstanding.

The stories range from heart-wrenching tales of love and loss to thought-provoking explorations of the human condition. His writing style is engaging and accessible, yet also sophisticated and nuanced.

Whether you are a lover of short stories or simply looking for a great read, this collection by Tobias Wolff is not to be missed. It has remained a cherished part of my personal library ever since I first discovered it during my time at Monash University.
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