When I go to an independent bookshop, I try to always buy a book – to support them. And in 2009 in Woodstock, I bought Tell It To A Stranger (1947/1949) by Elizabeth Berridge. Both those dates are there, as the book selects stories from two collections – but I think it’s chiefly 1947. Now, I read the first half of this earlier in the year, but finished it today (which technically fits my ‘finish 25 books in 25 days’ motto). Look, I was at dinner and the theatre after work today, so I didn’t have much time.
The stories here are often about the effects of war – whether that is loneliness or readjusting to the old life or grief. Berridge draws so sharply, encasing dramatic moments in the everyday lives of ordinary people so subtly that you almost don’t realise until they’re upon you. It’s as though you’re scanning across a pleasant domestic scene and suddenly notice that somebody has a knife in their back.
In a quick review, I can’t summarise each story – and I think that might almost be pointless. Rather, I shall just say that Berridge is a very adept crafter of stories and I heartily recommend the collection, perhaps spacing them out a little. I’ve got a few of her novels on my shelves too, so it’ll be interesting to see if Angus Wilson (who wrote the preface) is right, and she is equally adept at both.
I absolutely loved these stories, perfectly crafted little pieces. I would love to find some of her novels.
I’m the same re: independent bookstores – I go out of my way to buy books through them, particularly the secondhand bookstores in my area. They’re my favourite places, it’s a real struggle not to send myself broke and spend the rent every time I walk in!
I find it really difficult to post about short story collections — I do enjoy short stories when I get around to reading them but if the writing is good I’m usually hungry for more and am disappointed when they’re finished. Overall I’ve really enjoyed all the Persephone short story collections and remember liking this one very much. And I’d love to know what you saw at the theater!