THE LITTLE DISTURBANCES OF MAN

by Grace Paley ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 16, 1959

This is a collection of eleven short stories, three of which have previously appeared in ""little magazines"", most of which are characterized by deceptively easy discernment, a penetrating wry wit and a poignancy which avoids the sentimental. The title keynotes the outlook of most of the book's characters: their stance is ironic; they are often sadly bemused by their experiences none of which qualify as tragedies -- merely ""disturbances"" and though ordinary people they are perceptive and balanced enough not to take themselves too seriously. Goodbye and Good Luck is the reminiscence of Aunt Rose, fat and fifty, who finally married the man she had lived with as a young girl. The Pale Pink Roast offers the shortlived reunion of an ex-husband and his newly married wife. An Interest in Life is all that is really necessary for the survival of the fittest. Charles C. Charley, at 37, trapped into a marriage with a disturbed teenager describes himself as ""just tangent to the Great Circle of Life of which he is one Irrevocable Diameter"". Alternately humorous and touching, simple and unaffected, this first book is a demonstration of a considerable talent.

Pub Date: April 16, 1959

ISBN: 0140075577

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1959

Categories: FICTION