I was attracted to this collection of short stories because one of them is Brokeback Mountain, a tragic love story of Ennis and Jack, two young cowboys. However, by reading all the other stories, one can better understand the society in which their love happened. The author describes the ranchers of Wyoming, their material and spiritual poverty. Among all characters of dozen stories in the collection, one doesn't find dreams or hopes, or anything remotely positive. We encounter the hard life of ranchers governed by economic forces they don't understand and the tough physical labour they have to do. The author treats honestly their sexual desires, the brutality of their relationships and the iron cannon of established rules.
In her other book about the Midwest province, That Old Ace in the Hole, I didn't encounter such depression and lack of opportunity as in this collection of stories. The stories reminded me of the book by John Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath, where he describes the life of a Texan peasent family during the depression of 1930ties. However, besides all the difficulties, one still could look up to the character of the mother as the beacon of hope. Here, in Wyoming, there is no such character. After reading the book, I don't have the slightest imaginary wish even to visit Wyoming, let alone live there. On the contrary, I am strongly attracted to large cities who allow the freedom of spirit.
The book can be ordered through Book Depository.
No comments:
Post a Comment