HG is very fond of the short story form. Serious short story writers were never big sellers. Readers opted for novels. In this time of the internet, magical phones, etc., HG has little knowledge of the literary world. However, HG still reads and enjoys short stories. The very best are by Alice Munro, the distinguished Canadian writer and Nobel prize winner. (Yes, as witness BSK, HG is very partial to Canadian women). Munro wrenches HG’s heart. She is masterly. Next on HG’s list are two deceased Jeiwh writers: Bernard Malamud (who wrote in English) and I.B. Singer (who wrote in Yiddish). Both wrote well-received novels but HG believes their genius was best displayed in their short stories. Anton Chekhov remains timeless and contemporary. Two Irishmen, William Trevor and James Joyce were great short story writers. Joyce’s “The Dubliners” is an ageless classic. “The Dead” (from “Dubliners”) is unforgettable with an ending of pure poetry (John Huston did full justice to “The Dead” in his movie version. HG/BSK watch it every Christmas season).
Leave a Reply