I learned of this short story over at Read Handed last year and finally read it. I have never read anything by Raymond Carver before this.
All of the characters are un-named as I found out is a characteristic of Carver’s stories. They are referred to as “the girl”, “the boy”, and “the man”. The girl and the boy happened across a yard that was full of the house belongings. They were set up like they were still in the house. Even the appliances, lamp and TV were all plugged in and working outside.
“This girl and boy were furnishing a little apartment.”
The man who owned the furnishings wasn’t there when they arrived but soon the man cam walking on the sidewalk with “sandwiches, beer, and whiskey. “ The three discussed prices and then had a whisky together and another. Then the man encourages the boy and girl to dance together, after he puts a record on. Then he dances with the girl.
Later the boy gives the man a check to cash and the boy and girl take their new stuff to their apartment. After, the girl wonders what the man’s story was, why was he getting rid of all his stuff?
I really liked this story, the writing was simple yet thought provoking and though the characters didn’t have names, I could picture them clearly in my mind. I would love to read more stories by Raymond Carver. You can read the story here.
Short Story Monday is hosted by John at The Book Mine Set.
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I was just thinking when I saw the post that I’ve never read anything by him either. Interesting tidbit about his lack of proper names.
Add me to the list of people who have never read anything by Carver. I don’t know if I like the idea of unnamed characters though. I’ll have to read it to find out!
Sounds like a story I might like. I haven’t read any Carver either!
I’ve read Carver, but didn’t realize it was his style to usually not use names. It would probably force a reader to fill in those blanks with a composite familiar person, and could give the stories more of a universal appeal– but then, also a parable appeal which could work for or against the story. Interesting.
Julia and Perogyo, I actually think it worked really well for this story, that there were no proper names. Perhaps it even enhanced it.
Loni, It’s pretty short and worthwhile, IMO.
John, I think it worked favorably for this story.
Thanks for this. So many writers talk about the debt they owe Carver.