A SOLDIER'S EMBRACE: Stories

by Nadine Gordimer ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 15, 1980

From the author of such fine novels as The Conservationist and Burger's Daughter: twelve recent stories, most of which show her at her very best--investigating the strains of decent people trying to do the right thing. Some of these right things, of course, involve the political, racial shiftings of Gordimer's African milieus. The gem-like title story focuses on a liberal lawyer's wife who finds herself joining the white exodus from a nation recently turned over to the freedom-fighters. . . but her mind keeps returning to that amazing moment after the cease-fire when she was caught in a mixed crowd of happy soldiers: ""She put up an arm round each neck, the rough pile of an army haircut on one side, the soft negro hair on the other, and kissed them both on the cheek."" In ""Oral History,"" an ancient village chief is tragically caught between rebel and government forces (and, before his suicide, is last seen riding a bicycle on sand--a perfect, heart-breaking image). And ""Town and Country Lovers"" is social comment at its most pointed (though textured by ironic detailing): two unrelated interracial affairs, both leading to criminal trials. But political/personal tension is only one Gordimer strength. Superb stories here center on familial responsibility--to a mad sister-in-law who makes 3 A.M. phone calls, to a young cousin who's self-destructing. A rather familiar horror-of-the-hunt fable takes on fresh resonances. And ""For Dear Life"" is a tiny surprise dazzler--a funny, fearful kaleidoscope of thoughts (including the tetchy voice of a fetus) swirling around a pregnant woman. The other stories aren't on quite this level, perhaps: impeccable, near-Jamesian tales of adultery nevertheless verge on the banal; a 1930s childhood recollection (exterminators hunt the queen termite) overstates its theme; and the one try at a male narrator (a nÄif who tries to ""cure"" an alcoholic woman) is a washout. But Gordimer's style is a marvel throughout--the economy of effect, the smooth blend of austerity and warmth--and her best work, like the best of William Trevor, gives us both the individual and the world. . . with all the soft edges intact.

Pub Date: Aug. 15, 1980

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Viking

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 1, 1980

Categories: FICTION