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casparb's review against another edition
3.0
This is my introduction to Carver, so I don't wish to make oeuvristic generalisations, but I think it serves that purpose wonderfully. Fires includes essays, a small collection of short stories, and fifty poems.
By far, I think the essays are the highlight to this book - particularly Carver's reflections on writing. The essay concerning his father is also worth a look.
The poems are more variable. Some are tedious, but I do enjoy the more self-consciously literary attempts, particularly those that refer to other authors. With the major exception of the Bukowski poem, which was a real lowlight of this book.
Despite Carver's evasive remarks upon literary influence, the short stories are incredibly Faulknerian, only situated in a slightly later America. Reminded me of the wonderful Wim Wenders film Paris, Texas
By far, I think the essays are the highlight to this book - particularly Carver's reflections on writing. The essay concerning his father is also worth a look.
The poems are more variable. Some are tedious, but I do enjoy the more self-consciously literary attempts, particularly those that refer to other authors. With the major exception of the Bukowski poem, which was a real lowlight of this book.
Despite Carver's evasive remarks upon literary influence, the short stories are incredibly Faulknerian, only situated in a slightly later America. Reminded me of the wonderful Wim Wenders film Paris, Texas
hcube3's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
alexisvana's review against another edition
3.0
Turns out I'm not a big Carver poem fan, who knew! He still writes a damn good short story.
abagoflobsters's review against another edition
3.0
The essays at the start of this book feel like essential Carver reading. Really enjoyed those, and felt they gave much better insight into his work.
I was mixed on the poems. Mostly enjoyed them. “Bankruptcy” and “photograph of my father” stick out in my mind. Surprised and delighted at how much Ancient History appears.
The stories are also a bit mixed. Some I have read in other collections. Really enjoyed “Where is Everyone?” And “The Lie.”
I was mixed on the poems. Mostly enjoyed them. “Bankruptcy” and “photograph of my father” stick out in my mind. Surprised and delighted at how much Ancient History appears.
The stories are also a bit mixed. Some I have read in other collections. Really enjoyed “Where is Everyone?” And “The Lie.”
dongchiot's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
fruitysaz's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
4.5
every short story raymond carver wrote goes like this:
man is man. man goes fish. man's wife might cheat. man drinks whisky. man sees something vaguely sinister.
and i, a creature of extreme habit, eat it right up. every! single! time!
man is man. man goes fish. man's wife might cheat. man drinks whisky. man sees something vaguely sinister.
and i, a creature of extreme habit, eat it right up. every! single! time!
llustem's review against another edition
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
abe389's review against another edition
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I liked the stories & essays a lot more than the prose!!
aelumen's review against another edition
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5