If you’re in the mood for a gorgeous story about loneliness, I can’t think of a better one.
Earlier in the week I had the pleasure of listening to Aleksandar Hemon read this story in person. As far as I can tell, the story is perfect.
Currently I’m obsessed with novellas, and Ian McEwan’s new essay on the subject is a fascinating read.
In case you haven’t read this story (which has been anthologized everywhere, it seems, including the 2009 Best American Short Stories), now is a good time to catch up.
In this story from 2001, Ishiguro sends a once influential philosopher back to his old village, where some people are happier to greet him than others.
Ben Lerner, author of one of my favorite novels this year, Leaving the Atocha Station, talks with The New Yorker about his short story in the current issue, “The Golden Vanity.”
"You were at an age where you could fall in love with a girl over an expression, a gesture. That’s what happened with your girlfriend Paloma — she stooped to pick up her purse, and your heart flew out of you."
— From Junot Diaz’s new short story, “Miss Lora” (The New Yorker, April 23, 2012).
