Written at a writer’s retreat in the early 1970s, this is Joy Williams’s first published story. An understandably distracted parish priest goes through the motions of fulfilling his duties as his wife wastes away in hospital from an unknown blood disorder, and he cares for his six-month-old granddaughter and a dog abandoned by his irresponsible daughter. Caring for the baby while his daughter “finds herself” in Mexico provides solace and a reminder that life goes on as he prepares for his wife’s anticipated homecoming. Themes include family, abandonment, responsibility, nostalgia, childhood adaptability, love, marriage, suffering, death, grace. More…
What the Old Man Does is Always Right
This story by Hans Christian Andersen is about an old man and his loving wife who never sees a problem with anything he does. The only thing they own of any value is a horse, which they decide to sell or trade for something more useful. The man sets off for town and, after several trades along the way, comes home with a bag of rotten apples. As always, his wife was delighted with the result. Andersen called this story one of his best ever tales… but was it really his work? More…
Clay
In this story by Juan T. Gatbonton, a sensitive sixteen-year-old Filipino boy is left horrified and disillusioned after an American soldier he had come to idolize boasts about having seduced a pure woman he is infatuated with (his teacher) and reduced her to being just like the other girls. Set during the period of American rule, the story could be regarded as an allegory of colonialization where an occupying power (Clay) exploits what a country has to offer (Miss Rosete) without concern for the consequences. Themes include coming of age, colonialization, friendship, infatuation, betrayal. More…
May Day Eve
The major theme of this story by Nick Joaquin is that happy marriages don’t happen by magic; they require a foundation of mutual respect and constant effort on both sides. A wealthy, controlling man marries a beautiful, feisty, free-spirited woman. Set in late 1800s Philippines under Spanish (Catholic) rule, there is no way out as things go wrong. The woman likens their marriage to living in hell. Her resulting bitterness prompts the vindictive man to label her a witch. After her death, he breaks into tears when thinking about what might have been. Other themes: superstition, compatibility, aging, death, regret. More…
Resurrection of a Life
In this story by William Saroyan, a man reflects on his life as a ten-year-old paperboy in 1917. As many of his memories appear infused with wisdom that usually comes with age, it is difficult to distinguish between his true boyhood thoughts and adult-inspired interpretations. One area where the difference is clear is religion. As a boy, he found it difficult to accept God due to the carnage of World War 1 and other injustices in his world. As an adult, he believes there is no death, and can never be. Themes: poverty, morality, facing and accepting reality, belonging, religion. More…