Tales of lost innocence
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These nine short stories will appeal to those who enjoyed the dry observations, the grim resistance to adulthood and the honesty that encapsulated The Catcher in the Rye. Far less well-known, this collection is partly a reflection on an American society coming to grips with the aftermath of war; its characters include those who have been traumatised by conflict and those who have suffered at home through the absence of loved ones. More than that, Salinger's tales try to dig a little deeper under the superficial layer of East Coast society and ask where the distinctions between madness and innocence lie in a fractured community. His adults are often verging on lunacy or have a serious character flaw, while his children are frequently precocious, wildly intelligent and seemingly more worldy-wise than their parents: the clash between the two tends to cause confusion on both sides. Women are promiscuous, men are like children, children are like seers; each of these stories tells of a topsy-turvy world populated by figures wrestling within themselves for something more satisfying than their present existence. A brief collection but a valuable one; sometimes frustratingly enigmatic but with some excellent character sketches.
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A collection of Salinger's finest short stories.
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A must-have book for any true Salinger fan, "For Esme...", provides the reader with ten short stories of the highest calibre. You'll laugh and cry at the tragi-comic nature of the Glass family in tales such as "A perfect day for Bananafish", marvel at Salinger's fascinating autobiographical touch in "Love and Squalor", and turn each page in fervent anticipation in his more imaginative tales, such as "Teddy". One recommendation I would make to anyone who is just stepping into Salinger's world is to dip into "Raise high the roof beam, carpenters, Seymour: an introduction, and "Franny and Zooey", before you start "Esme", as it will explain a lot about the Glass family saga...
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Excellent
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After having read 'The Catcher in the Rye', which instantly became my favourite twentieth century book, I picked this up in a second hand bookshop and it turned out to be an amazing bargain. Salinger writes so wonderfully about children and thier innocence, a theme running through all his works, that it is hard to belive he is looking at them through adult 'phoney?' eyes. The title story is one of those where you remember exactly where you were when you were reading it, and every story bar none is a joy to read. Even if you did not like 'The Catcher in the Rye' gives this a go because they are very different. Surely one of the best collections of short stories ever, Fitzgerald has a real heir in Salinger.
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Some of the best short stories ever written
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I loved this book - it's my favourite work by J.D. Salinger, nevermind what they say about "Catcher in the Rye". His short stories are funny or ironic or slightly sad, but all well written; and memorable. Just the titles should tempt the tastebuds - "bananafish" - what are they? "Pretty my Mouth and Green My Eyes" is another one of those stories that you don't forget. I don't often obsess about writers, but I've read everything by Salinger (so far - but if rumours are true, there is a new book out in November! Run to the stores!) and even a biography. This book will convince you to read the rest. Find out more about the Glass family. Find out about their religions and beliefs. Most of all, find out how human they are, because you'll forget that they're just characters in a book.
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Moving
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No schmaltz; this is the real thing. The title story kicks ass, if you don't cry the publisher will give you your money back...
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