Where I'm Calling From

The short stories that comprise “Where I’m Calling From” by Raymond Carver are stunning and heart-breaking. The thirty-seven pieces appear to follow the path of Carver’s own experiences, marching toward the end of his life. The beginning of the collection is sparse and clipped, almost truncated. There is evidence that the published versions of these stories may have been presented in a more minimalist fashion than Carver had intended. But the honesty of the writing remains in tact. The struggles of his life are clearly visible – broken homes and families, insecurities, poverty and addiction. The stories capture moments in time. Glimpses. But Carver also allows a glimmer of hope to shine through. As the stories continue, they grow in length to become richer and more emotional. The characters have stopped drinking, as Carver had done, and are seen more clearly. The collection ends with a tender tribute to Carver’s favorite writer, Chekhov, that he wrote a short time before his death. I hope the passing of this great writer was treated with as much respect, love and possibly a glass of champagne.