Two Boys and a Girl

by Tobias Wolff

Genres: Short Stories, The United States Of America

64 pages, Paperback

First published September 19, 1996

About the author

Tobias Jonathan Ansell Wolff is a writer of fiction and nonfiction.

He is best known for his short stories and his memoirs, although he has written two novels.

Wolff is the Ward W. and Priscilla B. Woods Professor in the School of Humanities and Sciences at Stanford University, where he has taught classes in English and creative writing since 1997. He also served as the director of the Creative Writing Program at Stanford from 2000 to 2002.

Reviews

[Gerhard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written short story by the late Tobias Wolff. Gilbert and Rafe are best friends. In the interim summer between high school and the start of college, they attend one of numerous parties. Here Gilbert first notices the alluring Mary Ann. He feels attracted to her, but is reticent to intrude. Before he knows it, Rafe has staked his claim on Mary Ann. When Rafe goes on an extended fishing trip with his father, he asks Gilbert to look after Mary Ann in his absence. And so Gilbert's dilemma takes shape: how to win Mary Ann over without betraying Rafe's trust and causing him undeserved distress.

Wolff is an acknowledged master of the short story, and he does not disappoint with this elegant examination of friendship and the compelling dictates of the heart. Even though only forty-six pages long, this has the feel of a well-rounded novel. And the conclusion is a particularly satisfying one as the unassuming Gilbert comes into his own ...

[Jamal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really short story. It was cool. I was interested in where it wa showing but I feel like it was lacking. Maybe because I want the target audience. It’s just felt so plain. Like it was made for a shy white kid living in small town United States in the 50s. I wasn’t able to see myself or those I know in the characters. Also felt like the end was lacking. I get the metaphor the author was trying to paint but it felt lacking. Nonetheless I think this could be a beautiful story for others.

[Ridge · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️’s

A short story of shifting perspectives and blindness to our morals and others wants in the face of feelings for another.

‘That was why this whole thing was tragic, because he knew what he was doing and could not do otherwise.’

[Bárbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story, easy and quick to read.

[Michael67 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not the best story of the master, but pretty subtle in the relationships. The end is great! 👌

[Izzie Kater · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was really wierd; super short and didn't really make all that much sense.

[Kris Onstine · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Bloomsbury Quid

[Nina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Full of fun tension but a very short story - actually too short for me.

[parris · Rating 3 out of 5]

i thought this was very sweet and enjoyable, very short story an easy read

[Wh1elan]

it is absloutly shit book and shuld be burned

[Sienna Schilling · Rating 3 out of 5]

I do not care for romances or anything like that, but I did enjoy the twist and subtle ending of this short story.