American Lit. - Raymond Carver

[Dorothy1]

I've always enjoyed the 'stripped down' minimalist style of writing and have recently become aware of Mr Carver's work. I have a copy of 'Will you please be quiet' and find the stories immensely satisfying. What I find a little unsettling is the way in which the narratives cut abruptly at the end. I'm invariably left high, dry, and wondering about these endings. Should I read Mr Carver's work as simply fragments taken from the flow of the lives of these people - to be enjoyed simply at that level. Or is there something deeper going on? Am I missing out on something here? It's the abruptness which baffles me. There is no definable pattern or reasoning (At least none that I can decipher) which dictate that the endings have to come where they do. It always seems to me to be quite arbitrary - that a few sentences more (sometimes less) wouldn't make a great amount of difference. There is no denouement - no sudden insight - the stories just stop.

Any thoughts -  greatly appreciated.

[Grimalkin]

I think the feeling you have identified is typical of many modernist writers using the short story form (of which Carver is one of the masters!).  I have read quite a lot of his work, and really admire his writing.  I do find it very subtle and nuanced, and when there is an 'epiphany' it is often understated or unsettling.  I think the impression that the stories 'just stop'  is illusory, and each word is crafted precisely and works for the whole.  I wouldn't suggest that there is a set, encrypted 'meaning' to be winnowed out.  Reading his work is, for me, more about his evocation of people, their circumstances, their experiences, their places.  He just writes so well!

P.S I'd recommend Alice Munro's short stories (there is an edition of Selected Stories) if you haven't already come across them. 

[rabet]

Have you read Annie Proulx? I've just finished her short-story collection "Close Range". It's brilliant.

[Dorothy1]

Grimalkin / Rabet

Thanks very much for taking the time to respond. I think I'll just continue with Mr Carver for the main body of his stories without getting too hung up on the endings. (It's just that niggling thought that I'm being a wee bit obtuse in not 'getting it')

Thanks also for the further reading tips. I'll follow up on these.

[metagirl]

perhaps one way to view this is that real-life problems/situations rarely have the satisfying ending or final comment we wish them to have. RC adds to the reality of his stories by using this technique.