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Thirteen Uncollected Stories By John Cheever

john cheever franklin h. dennis

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A collection of thirteen previously uncollected short stories by the noted author

240 pages, Hardcover

First published August 30,2005

This edition

Format
240 pages, Hardcover
Published
August 30, 2005 by Academy Chicago Publishers
ISBN
9780897334051
ASIN
0897334051
Language
English

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About the author

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john cheever

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John Cheever was an American novelist and short story writer, sometimes called "the Chekhov of the suburbs" or "the Ovid of Ossining." His fiction is mostly set in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, the suburbs of Westchester, New York, and old New England villages based on various South Shore towns around Quincy, Massachusetts, where he was born.

His main themes include the duality of human nature: sometimes dramatized as the disparity between a character's decorous social persona and inner corruption, and sometimes as a conflict between two characters (often brothers) who embody the salient aspects of both--light and dark, flesh and spirit. Many of his works also express a nostalgia for a vanishing way of life, characterized by abiding cultural traditions and a profound sense of community, as opposed to the alienating nomadism of modern suburbia.

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Community Reviews

Rating(3.8 / 5.0, 16 votes)
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16 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
MILFloli
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Cheever's early stories are a remarkable collection that offers a unique insight into the human condition. These 13 stories展现了他卓越的叙事技巧和对生活细节的敏锐捕捉。


Each story is a microcosm of life, filled with complex characters and their struggles. Cheever's writing style is细腻而生动, painting vivid pictures in the reader's mind. The stories range from tales of love and loss to explorations of the human psyche.


One of the most striking aspects of these early stories is Cheever's ability to convey deep emotions with simplicity. He has a talent for making the ordinary seem extraordinary, and for finding beauty and meaning in the everyday. Through his words, we are able to see the world from a different perspective and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and those around us.


Overall, Cheever's early stories are a must-read for anyone interested in great literature. They are a testament to his talent as a writer and a valuable addition to the literary canon.

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Kasavon
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A Slow Start with a Captivating Finish

I had a rather slow start when delving into this book. However, as I continued to read, I found myself increasingly immersed in the stories.

It delved deeply into the world of horse racing and the unique culture that surrounded it during the 1930s. The author vividly描绘了 the excitement and anticipation that filled the air at the racetracks, as well as the complex web of emotions that the sport could evoke.

We witnessed the joys of victory, with jockeys and trainers celebrating their hard-earned triumphs. But there were also the sorrows of defeat, the heartbreak of a horse that didn't perform as expected, and the financial losses that could follow.

Despite its relatively short length, this book was a nifty little read that managed to pack a punch. It offered a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era and a sport that has always held a special place in the hearts of many. By the end, I was thoroughly engaged and left with a newfound appreciation for the world of horse racing.

Overall, it was a worthwhile read that I would recommend to anyone interested in history, sports, or simply a good story.
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VendettaJake
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I am truly happy that I had the opportunity to read it.

It is truly remarkable to be able to envision the future of a genius.

Even at this early stage, his special spark is already evident, although it is still in its infancy.

One can only imagine the great things that this individual will achieve as he continues to grow and develop.

His unique qualities and abilities are sure to set him apart and make a significant impact in the world.

It is exciting to think about the possibilities and the potential that lies within him.

As we observe his progress, we can look forward to seeing his genius unfold and reach its full potential.

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part-time-ninja
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I have long been of the opinion that John Cheever was truly the master of the short story.

His stories frequently delved into the themes of discordance and alienation among family members or the changing nature of life.

These early stories of his vividly demonstrate the evolution of his writing craft.

Collected in chronological order, the first story was published in 1931 when he was a mere 19 years old, and the collection extends until 1949.

By this time, one can begin to identify the writing style that would later make him famous in the 50s and 60s.

The early stories, though very much of their time and written during the Great Depression, had a distinct tone compared to his later works, which often centered around suburban angst.

I was quite surprised to find that a few of the stories were written from a female's perspective.

Both "Bayonne" and "The Man She Loved" offered profound insights into a woman's plight.

"Family Dinner" provided a poignant examination of the importance of keeping up appearances, while "Saratoga" contained fascinating character studies.

While I might not necessarily recommend this collection to the average short story reader, for fans of Cheever, it is an extremely worthwhile read.
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DinaraC
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I did not enjoy this at all.

The stories presented simply don't make sense.

There seems to be no coherent point or message that I could discern.

It's as if they were randomly put together without any thought or purpose.

The lack of logic and flow makes it difficult to engage with the content.

I found myself constantly confused and uninterested.

There were no elements that captured my attention or made me want to continue reading.

In conclusion, this was a very disappointing experience and I would not recommend it to others.

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nekoXmuffins
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I had been completely let down by the collected works of Mavis Gallant. As a result, I was extremely hesitant when it came to picking up the collected works of Cheever. However, when I came across this smaller collection, it appeared to be a relatively safe risk that didn't require a huge commitment on my part.

To my pleasant surprise, it turned out to be truly terrific stuff. The stories were engaging, well-written, and full of depth. They managed to capture the essence of human nature and the complexities of life in a way that was both thought-provoking and entertaining.

After reading this smaller collection, I am now certain that at some point in the future, I will definitely be picking up the full collected works of Cheever. I am eager to explore more of his writing and see what other gems he has to offer. It just goes to show that sometimes, taking a chance on something new can lead to wonderful discoveries.
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Baka_Taku
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Just couldn't put it down!

This book was truly captivating from start to finish.

If this is considered to be his "embryonic phase" as a writer, I can hardly wait to read what critics call his best works!

The author's writing style in this early piece shows great promise and potential.

The storylines are engaging, the characters are well-developed, and the descriptions are vivid.

It makes me eager to explore more of his literary offerings.

I have a feeling that his best works will be even more outstanding and will leave a lasting impression on me.

I'm already looking forward to getting my hands on those highly acclaimed masterpieces and experiencing the full range of his creative genius.

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AshKirk2100
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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It’s a nice quick read that offers an engaging experience. At times, it felt more like the writing style of Hemingway than that of Cheever. The简洁明了的表达方式 and the directness of the叙述 make it a captivating read.

My favorites were several stories within the collection. “Bock Beer and Bermuda Onions” stood out for its独特的情节 and the way it explored the人性的复杂性. “Bayonne” was another highlight, with its vivid描绘 of a place and the emotions it evoked. And “His Young Wife” was a story that tugged at the heartstrings,展现了爱情与婚姻的种种面貌.

Overall, this collection of stories provides a diverse range of experiences and perspectives, making it a worthwhile read for those who enjoy short fiction.
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