A Short Story in Review
This short story appearing in The New Yorker on September 17, 2007. Thanks to Wendy at Caribousmom for reviewing this story and bringing it to my attention.
The narrator of the story reminiscences about growing up with his “impossible” to know father. Around 1956 his father lost his job and became a shoe salesman, which he hated. He bought a house in disrepair without consulting his wife.
He joined up with some men who decided to perform a minstrel show. His solo rehearsal started at home, making his wife play piano for him. After awhile he started making up his face in the traditional black and called himself Mr. Bones. He became Mr. Bones, to the horror of his family and would not take anything seriously. He teased his family members mercilessly and would not address real household concerns.
The story touches on themes of race and a dysfunctional family life. This was a kind of bizarre story, but I quite liked it. The writing was rich and immersed the reader in the story.
To read the full short story, go here or click on the picture.
4/5
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