Scan barcode
A review by casparb
Fires by Raymond Carver
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