The Shell Collector by Anthony Doerr (5 out of 5 Stars)

[Jeremiah]

The Shell Collector by Anthony Doerr
5 out of 5 Stars

The exquisitely crafted stories in Anthony Doerr's acclaimed debut collection take readers from the African coast to the pine forests of Montana to the damp moors of Lapland, charting a vast physical and emotional landscape. Doerr explores the human condition in all its varieties-metamorphosis, grief, fractured relationships, and slowly mending hearts-and conjures nature in both its beautiful abundance and crushing power. Some of his characters contend with tremendous hardship; some discover unique gifts; all are united by their ultimate deference to the mysteries of the universe outside themselves.

The collection of stories titled The Shell Collector marked my first venture back into the genre of the short story in a number of years. At its most primal level, the short story contains the ability to be both limited and focused and yet broad to the point that the entire enterprise feels like one mass of loose ends. Despite this, when the short story is well crafted it contains both a depth of human experience and a unique capturing of the universe in which we exist. Doerr's writing is able to do both of these and elucidate emotions that dwell deep beneath the surface.

With the exception of one story, Doerr threads a common bond by exploring man's conflict with nature. Regardless of the situation, location, or character Doerr expresses a view similar to that of Jack London or Ernest Hemingway in his stories. Nature always has a power that man cannot harness nor defeat. Our best efforts to contain it, tame it, or understand it result only in loss and confusion.

Beyond this, Doerr delves into the world of broken relationships. The brokenness varies greatly between the stories and the particular characters, but each story certainly explores how some form of hubris cause a variety of sins to be exposed and heartache and longing to ensue.

In my two favorite stories, The Hunter's Wife and The Caretaker Doerr brings together the two themes with heart wrenching separation and loss. While exploring these themes he also delves into the world of cultural conflict, desperate loneliness, and how we cope with isolation. Despite dealing with similar themes and topics the stories have completely different tones and work the reader through almost opposite emotions.

I was very satisfied to re-visit this genre. The pleasure of the short story is often lost in our day and age of novels and it was enjoyable to read a master story teller at work.

[Jgrace]

I'm so glad you enjoyed this collection. I liked all of these stories very much. I thought the writing in the more recent Memory Wall was even better.

[Jeremiah]

I am interested to pick up Memory Wall.

[KateNZ]

Nice recommendation, JW, thanks. This sounds right up my alley, though I don’t usually go for short stories. The subject matter sounds delicious. I can imagine that Doerr’s style would lend itself well to the format, too. I’m one of the few who wasn’t enchanted by ‘All the Light You Cannot See’ (exquisite in places but too patchy for yours truly and such a chore to finish) but I’d give these a go. Onto the TBR for those short story moments...

[Susie]

Just as Kate has said, short stories aren’t my bag but Anthony Doerr is, and you make a compelling case JW. Thanks for your review.

[[deleted user]]

Love your review! I have not read a collection of short stories in years. I really should again.

[Joanne]

I am not a short-story reader either, though I do need a collection like this for another challenge next month..your review sold me