‘I knew every raindrop by its name. I sensed everything before it happened’
Jesus’ Son
I reckon last year, I read innumerable short stories. Too many. From contemporary guys out there, I read Mavis Gallant and Donald Barthelme. Now Denis Johnson is added to the list, Born in Germany, He has won the National Book Award for Fiction in 2007. I was intrigued to try his short stories and I found this one book most popular.
I admire the writing style. His way of storytelling is gripping and I like this sort of style. He has a unique narration style. He uses very few words, that’s commendable. He generates a thoughtful spasm in your head both at the beginning and at the end. After finishing most of the stories, I was forced back to revisit some of the paragraphs, to make sure I did not miss what the author wanted to convey. Though what an author wants to convey and what readers lay hold of, are two different things sometimes. The reader’s state of mind plays an important role. This sort of prose requires more concentration I guess, and it certainly tested my frail focusing abilities. If you go astray for two-three lines the essence of the story may transpire.
Regarding the content, It’s a collection of interconnected short stories. it is about boos, drugs, alcohol, burglary, sniffing and thieving, and jail and all, but he has made things around his flawed and addicted characters very stylish. The way he is represented is strange. The author takes you to the lives of many troubled individuals from the underbelly of society, their tale is dark and shady. The tone is unapologetic in nature.
In one story, in a pensive mood, a thief contemplates, wanting to steal from even a ruined house. He had a work ethic, I assume!
“All the houses on the river bank- a dozen or so, were abandoned. The windows in the lower stories were empty of glass. We passed alongside them and I saw that the ground floors of these buildings were covered with silt. Sometime back if blood had run over the banks, canceling everything. But now the river was flat and slow. Willows stoke the waters with their hair.
“Are we doing a burglary?” I asked Wayne.”
“You can’t burgulate a forgotten, empty house.” He said, horrified at my stupidity.
If you are comfortable with the subject matter, then I will recommend the book to witness the tactful storytelling from the author. I was utterly impressed with the style and skill of the author. I am going to remember it. I wish, I soon read his novels too.
I think the craft of Denis depicting human frailties is amazing in this book!
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