daveb
insert clever quip about ubiquity here
most people hate short stories · Mar 18, 02:26 pm
how we are hungry — by: dave eggers
when i let people know i’m reading a new book of short stories most crinkle their nose and raise up the corner of their lip in a sneer. it seems that short stories occupy the same place in reading as fractions do in math.
many people enjoy novels because they are a complete thought. a novel is a fully explored idea or theme. in general the actions are predictable, the plot is recognizable and complete and fits into the conventional standard of a story.
a short story is more like a sketch. it is an exploration in form and style. the point of a short story is not to meet the convention of narrative form – but to experiment and create in dense, intense experiences.
the rare novel might toy with the conventions of form and style, but it is expected in the short story. that may be why many people don’t like them. they hint at something difficult. there are parts to the puzzle you have to invent yourself for it to feel complete. or even worse – you have to be comfortable with the odd missing piece.
i have to hand it to eggers. he’s well know and respected as an accomplished and renown author of novels, but his book of short stories is quite enjoyable.
read it yourself – it’s not as bad as fractions.
Categories: books / |
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