Raymond Carver

[Guest cda]

Anyone else here like Carver? When I first encountered his work, I wondered what all the fuss was about. Now, after a few years, I am very glad I was put on to him. Less truly is more.

[Philip Stein]

Yes, Carver is great. I did however make the mistake of re-reading his first collection Will You Please Be Quiet Please? straight through last year and, as far as less is more goes, it turns out that more less is less. If you see what I mean. His prose is so spare and information imparted is so limited that it can start to seem tiresome if you get too much at once.

 

Interestingly, I think his prose became more effusive and 'colourful' later in his (short) career, particularly with the collection Cathedral. Stories such as the title story of that collection, and "A Small, Good Thing" really are as good as story writing gets.

[Kell]

And another one to look out for - I can see I'm going to be spending a fortune this summer!

[Philip Stein]

He's an acquired taste, Kell, so if you do try him and don't like him immediately, give him another go (er, just not all at once as I did...). His selected stories Where I'm Calling From is a good introduction.

[Kell]

I might just do that then, Philip - thanks for the recommendation.