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Book
Raymond Carver · 1981
A collection of short stories exploring peripheral characters—people without education or prospects—as Carver meditates on love, loss, and companionship. The work established Carver's reputation as one of America's most celebrated short-story writers.
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What this book knows
Love is not tenderness but damage — Carver's characters circle what they cannot name or hold or save.
intimacy
He took her hand and put it in his lap. This made him feel better. It made him feel he was saying something.
WWTA-RC-026That morning she pours Teacher's over my belly and licks it off. That afternoon she tries to jump out the window.
WWTA-RC-010I'm your wife. This is your baby. She's sick or something. Look at her. Why else is she crying?
WWTA-RC-065grief
She brought her hand up to her eyes and leaned her head forward. There was no saying what it should be.
WWTA-RC-025He felt unworthy to be listening, to be standing. Why not someone else? Why not all those people who sail through life free as birds?
WWTA-RC-038trauma-and-survival
He looks at my breasts, my legs. 'Hey, sugar,' he said. 'I'm just here to help is all.'
WWTA-RC-043Illuminates
6 published passages · book excerpt · research analysis
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