As we are running behind schedule, again, I decided to sum up in one post for all the last three stories. We can discuss here about Queenie and Mr.Vorguilla, and how some things, are the same in no matter what culture... the widow man that cannot be alone for a few minutes and the runaway girl, is this a stereotype or does it really happen? This was set in Canada, years ago, but do you see that now, wherever you are?
What do you think of the whole book? Are like we were saying, some characters universal? Are family issues the same everywhere and always? Is loneliness the big character of all the stories?
Are you willing to go on other short stories? Or do you feel it is always better a good old novel? Feel free to comment on these and other topics that you might have thought while reading this book. We hope you enjoyed it!
I have felt that I knew many of the things, people in this book, even though it is people so different, based in Canada, etc... but Mrs. Munro makes it so familiar, that you get this feeling, and for that I like it.
ReplyDeleteOne of the big issues coming back again and again in the book is illness and death, just a good tool to create tension, conflict and difficult character or a bath of reality? Illness, no doubt, takes us out of our comfort zone and puts us in the middle of uncertainty, many things come with it... what do you guys think?
As it has happened me with previous stories, when "What Is Remembered" finished, I was waiting for more. More on Meriel's life and feelings, more about the doctor, more about the in-between...
ReplyDeleteIs it maybe that though I enjoy short stories very much, I am more a novel person? I always want more detail, more explanation, more story. Is it maybe the purpose of the short story to let us waiting for more?
Also as in previous stories, I went back to read some parts of "What Is Remembered" again, and I found more meaning in sentences that I might have overlooked. I liked it better. I found it more heart-breaking. What did that "I never do" meant? Was the affair that Meriel treasured all her life just one more adventure in the doctor's life? Was it a self-preservation sentence to put an end to something he knew had no chance for a second part?
With "Queenie" I also wanted to know more. However, the feeling was different, since the lack of information is a part of the story itself. So no uneasiness in that case. Or at least, no more than the resulted from the content of the story, which I found very sad, but very real.
I loved the last one, "The Bear came over the mountain", though I do not get the reason for the title. I have singed in my head the children' song to see if it makes sense, but not really... At least, not a clear and straightforward sense as in most of the other stories.
I particularly liked the descriptions of the characters, the conflicted feelings and actions, the idilic relationdhip and romantic love that it turns out to be not that perfect with all the affairs… but still, so real-life. However, overall and at the end, yes, it was a sweet, sincere love that accompanied them throughout most of their life.
And I liked the end. Unlike with the previous stories, in this one I feel the author wants to leave us with a feeling of tenderness, fullfiling and joy that I really appreciated to finish Alice Munro's reading.
Maybe I am just learning to read short stories :-)
I agree with Rocio that illness and death takes us out of our comfort zone and they make us be more aware of life. They bring mindfulness as opposite of routine. I think that's way it might be "easier" to build a story around them.
I will certainly read Munro again. And I am thinking it will be sooner than later. However, not immediately, since a great (long!) novel is waiting :-)
I am late! As always lately.
ReplyDeleteFirstly, like Macarena, I believe I am more of a novel reader. I need more depth, more detail, traveling with the character all the way. I have to admit that I read few short novels in my life and that may be why. I suppose the point is to let the reader make up their own story, which is a good exercise.
Having said that, I did enjoy Alice Munro’s stories. They are easy to read and down to earth. Women of all kinds tend to be main characters; that makes feeling empathy with some of them more obvious.
Is it just me who sees most stories as sad? Death and illness, loneliness and family issues are present in many of the stories. This might just be a reflection of real life, realizing that problems are similar in many parts of the world. Life offers us sad and happy moments, but reading them one after the other leaves a bitter taste after all.
I couldn’t find the reason behind the title of ‘The Bear came over the mountain’ either! I have to admit I didn’t know it was a kind’s song, but it was intriguing why that title. I liked that story very much, the end was not expected at all but it really leaves everyone happy. I tried to put myself in his place: thinking what it would be like that your partner of many years, your mother, your son (you name it) does not remember who you are. That was heartbreaking.
Queenie’s story was very depressing too! Such a pity how most women end up trying to marry just any stupid ass because single women are nothing on their own and unable to make their own decisions.
And Meriel’s? Do you think such a story is feasible? It is a very interesting way to look at it, but I wonder what the reaction would be for most human beings… guiltiness I bet…
I will read again Alice Munro. I would like to tackle a longer book, a different type of book, more of a novel.
We’ll see when that happens since we have a lot a work ahead! The next book seems to be intense… I hope you don’t hate me for proposing it! :-)