This story is very short, but pretty much perfect in every way. Though Barthelme is known for his playful, postmodern style, we admire him for his ability to shape a world so clearly from so few words, chosen expertly. Barthelme never over explains, never uses one syllable too many, but effortlessly leads the reader right where he wants her to be. It’s funny, it’s absurdist, it’s sad, it’s enormous even in its smallness. It may be this writer’s favorite story of all time. You should read it.
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