Red Wolf, Red Wolf
W. P. Kinsella
Language: English
Pages: 110
ISBN: 0870743147
Format: PDF / Kindle (mobi) / ePub
Kinsella presents characters who frequently blur the distinction between literal truth and personal mythology. Most of the 13 short stories begin as an outsider enters the situation, the author's homage to his grandmother's tales, always introduced with the words, "then, knocks at the door a stranger. . . ." In the title story, a character from Flannery O'Connor's fiction comes to live with his creator. Includes the story, Lieberman in Love, which was adapted for film and won the 1996 Academy Award for "Live Action Short."
The one they were currently reading was about a US President who sells out to the Russians, and the Dallas newspaper reporter who was the only person in the world who could stop the sellout. Hilda drove 150 miles. Wesley drove 50. Hilda then drove for the rest of the day. In San Francisco she went to a book store and bought several hardcover works of fiction, after asking the advice of the wise-looking book store owner. “Challenging,” was the word he used to describe her choices. But as Wesley
encouraged communication, actually wanted us to talk over our personal problems with him, I just couldn’t imagine myself saying to him, “Skip, my sex life is driving me crazy. My old lady stares at a life-sized poster of Elvis Presley all the time we’re fucking.” I got out a sheet of Tyler’s notepaper one night, and got as far as writing, Dear Ann Landers, before I tore it up. It’s difficult to compete when your wife is in love with Elvis Presley. “I wouldn’t mind it so much if you got off on
father really was. All she had to do was look in the mirror to see what her obsession had done to her. Maybe she figured Tyler deserved better. “I’ve got him here in the posters and records and pictures and statues. He ain’t ever gonna change. He’ll never get any older, and that’s even kinda nice. And I can always listen to his records and tapes.” I was touched by what she said, by how strong she was. I even stopped bad mouthing Elvis for a month or so. This will be Tyler’s second trip to
ain’t a baseball diamond in the whole valley.” “A problem that I am here to solve,” the stranger said. His dark form was hunched vulture-like over our table. “You look like young men who have known the thrill of competitive baseball. I can tell by your accents that you emanate from the East.” “I’ve played a little,” said Billy. “In New York my daddy and I used to watch games of a Sunday afternoon, and I played as a schoolboy in Indianapolis, but never since I came west.” “A shortstop, I
is for Missy, but he didn’t mention that. Sometimes Missy really seems to understand. ‘It will prepare her,’ is what John said, and I agreed with him. “Everybody tries to give you the run-around when you’re old, Jack. Did you know that?” “Yes,” I say. “John and I, we had to pry it out of them, the business about how sick he was, I mean. They were all so hopeful, after the exploratory operation, talking about rest and recuperation and how he’d be weak for a few months. ‘If you got something to