This story collection, pub. by Pushkin, highlights the absurdity & black humor that Dostoevsky excelled at. I am halfway through the book & have loved both stories I've read. A later entry “The Crocodile“ I had previously read as a New Directions double feature along with Gogol's The Nose and found it to be just as memorable.
pickThe “Foreword“ beautifully encapsulates the essence of this book. Like the author's experience with the kitty, George, we each carry stories. Memorable moments that invite reflection, laughter, tears, or quiet joy. These personal narratives shape who we are, page by page, into the book of our lives. It‘s a heartfelt and fitting introduction.
This novel would be a perfect pick for a middle school ELA class. The short stories all include well rounded characters, plots, and language. Further, with there being such a variety of backgrounds and themes in each story, it's likely that each student will find an excerpt that they find interesting. It would be fun to have students expand on these stories, or write short stories inspired by the characters. A great addition to the class library.
“Papi chose to be invisible today, so you won't ever have to be” pg. 89.
Reading this book has been a treat. Overall, the story that stood out to me most was “Sol Painting, Inc.“ The dynamic between the characters, particularly the siblings, read so natural and had quite a charm to it. Merci and Roli foil one another in a complimentary way; perfectly displaying the strengths and weaknesses of each character. This is a very well written story.
Is JC Oates a disaster online? Absolutely. Did she write some of the most unsettling stories of the 20th C? This is also true. The title story is a noir masterpiece.
#bestof2025
In the title story, a young boy travels to Spain with his grandmother, confronting discomfort, curiosity, and questions about his identity. It‘s a thoughtful and touching look at growing up, being seen, and the quiet bravery it takes to stand out and be yourself.
