Alison's review
Self-Help
by Lorrie Moore
Alison's review
Self-Help by Lorrie Moore
Alison's review
rating:
recommended for: everyone
Moore's first collection of stories introduced her as a writer capable of both heartbreaking sadness and quick wit. Rarely do these two qualities mesh so well in such a difficult medium, but Moore takes on the challenge with the sophistication of a writer much older than 26 (her age when it was published).
The six stories written in the second person imperative create a more serious tone than expected. Somehow the tasks of being a writer and being an other woman seem similar. Moore explains how each role is at once painful and pleasurable. The art of good writing is as elusive as available love. In using the imperative, Moore illuminates the ultimately sado-masochistic nature of pursuing either.
Moore's linguistic alacrity speaks not only to her skill in writing but also to her skill in reading, specifically in reading people. So rarely can an author recognize and describe the details of our lives that make it at once so tremendously upsetting and beautiful.
The six stories written in the second person imperative create a more serious tone than expected. Somehow the tasks of being a writer and being an other woman seem similar. Moore explains how each role is at once painful and pleasurable. The art of good writing is as elusive as available love. In using the imperative, Moore illuminates the ultimately sado-masochistic nature of pursuing either.
Moore's linguistic alacrity speaks not only to her skill in writing but also to her skill in reading, specifically in reading people. So rarely can an author recognize and describe the details of our lives that make it at once so tremendously upsetting and beautiful.
