Lauren Groff starts this off very macro with a large family gathering that brings to mind Alan Ball (Uncle Frank, 6 Feet Under) and then slowly tightens the panoramic family drama into a microscopic psychology of the main character and an unusual relationship which builds tension out of a Thoreau-esque scenario of self-sufficiency and isolation.
This did not go in a direction I expected based on the beginning. Surprising and unexpected.
An excerpt that stood-out:
What are you doing here, he said. His voice felt rough in his throat, it was so little used these days.
Making amends, she said. Pretty sure I hurt your feelings.
He had to turn away to keep the sting in his eyes from embarrassing him, and, when he turned back, he said, I thought you wanted me to leave you alone.
Jesus, she said. I just said that I don’t want a boyfriend. I don’t think you want me to be your girlfriend, either. It’s all good.
With this, the anger faded out of him, because it was true, he didn’t want her to be his girlfriend. Now, on the other side of his long, silent rage, he felt foolish.
They sat together on the old horsehair couch. Pearl unpacked mozzarella and mortadella sandwiches on ciabatta with aioli, lemonade, homemade pickles, strawberry-rhubarb tarts. She ate like a hungry man, huge bites she chewed with her beautiful mouth open so that he could see the churn of food inside. He watched, revolted, deeply attracted. They ate everything, even the crumbs, and then Pearl put her hand on Chip’s leg.
How’s about we agree that whatever this is is just fun? You scratch my itch, I scratch yours. Expect nothing. Keep it quiet, keep it light.
Fine, he said. Her nails were neat, painted pink, her hand heavy. He wanted to hurt her a little. Like I’m your boy toy, he said.
Yeah, she said. Paid in food. And she leaned over and kissed him, and he resisted for a moment, but, because her hair smelled like rosemary, and because she was the only person in hundreds of miles who gave the smallest of fucks about him, he kissed her back.
OMG! What a Chilling end!
Lauren Groff starts this off very macro with a large family gathering that brings to mind Alan Ball (Uncle Frank, 6 Feet Under) and then slowly tightens the panoramic family drama into a microscopic psychology of the main character and an unusual relationship which builds tension out of a Thoreau-esque scenario of self-sufficiency and isolation.
This did not go in a direction I expected based on the beginning. Surprising and unexpected.
An excerpt that stood-out: