The Stories of John Cheever
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PULITZER PRIZE WINNER • NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A seminal collection from one of the true masters of the short story. Spanning the duration of Cheever’s long and distinguished caree…
Book Summary
The Stories of John Cheever is a Pulitzer Prize-winning collection of 61 short stories that chronicle the lives of the 'greatest generation,' from city disillusionment to suburban mysteries. With a preface by Cheever himself, this seminal volume showcases his generous yet cynical vision, capturing the absurd and profound in everyday moments. Essential for lovers of literary fiction.
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About The Stories of John Cheever
This landmark collection brings together sixty-one stories spanning John Cheever's distinguished career, from early classics like 'The Enormous Radio' to suburban masterpieces such as 'The Housebreaker of Shady Hill' and 'The Swimmer.' Cheever's prose dissects the anxieties, illusions, and quiet revelations of mid-century American life, particularly among the middle class. His ability to be simultaneously generous and cynical allows him to find the absurd and profound in the same moment. Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and a National Besteller, this volume includes a preface by the author and stands as one of the finest achievements in the short story form, cementing Cheever's reputation as a true master.
Who should read The Stories of John Cheever?
This collection is essential for readers of literary fiction, especially those interested in mid-20th-century American life and the short story form. It appeals to fans of John Updike, Raymond Carver, and Richard Yates, as well as anyone who appreciates nuanced character studies and elegant prose. Teachers and students of American literature will find it invaluable, and general readers seeking profound insights into suburban malaise and human frailty will be richly rewarded.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Pulitzer Prize-winning collection by a master of the short story
- ✓ Sixty-one stories spanning Cheever's entire career, offering a comprehensive overview
- ✓ Includes a preface by the author, providing personal insight
- ✓ Explores timeless themes of suburban life, disillusionment, and human complexity
- ✓ Highly acclaimed by critics, including The Guardian, for its balanced generosity and cynicism
Cons
- ✗ Some readers may find the mid-century suburban settings and concerns dated
- ✗ The sheer volume of sixty-one stories can feel overwhelming
- ✗ Cheever's characters are often morally ambiguous, which may not appeal to all
- ✗ The prose style is dense and literary, requiring careful reading
- ✗ The collection lacks extensive scholarly annotations or contextual notes
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Frequently asked questions
Is this a complete collection of Cheever's short stories?
No, it is a selection of sixty-one stories spanning his career, but it does not include every story he wrote. However, it is widely considered the definitive overview of his short fiction.
What is the significance of the Pulitzer Prize mention?
The collection won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1979, recognizing its literary excellence and Cheever's mastery of the short story form.
Does this edition include any extra material?
Yes, it features a preface written by John Cheever himself, offering personal reflections on his work.
Are the stories connected or standalone?
They are standalone stories, though they share common themes and settings, particularly suburban life and middle-class anxieties.
What is the best-known story in this collection?
'The Swimmer' is perhaps the most famous, known for its surreal and haunting portrayal of a man's journey through his neighbors' pools.
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