Minimum of Two - Hardcover

Winton

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 068911978X ISBN 13: 9780689119781

Publisher: Scribner, 1988

Synopsis

A collection of short stories explores the themes of friendship, early marriage, and family relationships

About this title

Reviews

Beginning with his first novel, published when he was 21, the Australian author's works have all earned prizes; so too has this memorable collection of 14 stories, which won the Miles Franklin Award. The most intimate and sensitive of the tales center on incidents affecting a young family: Jerra and Rachel Nilsam and their baby Sam. Working their way through crises that imperil their marriage, the prickly couple makes its survival extremely important to the reader. The relationship is particularly at risk in "Gravity," when Jerra takes the little boy on an outing and they return late for a big party where dear friends are gathered. Rachel is cool in her anger; the guests transparently hide their hurt and Jerra can't force himself to "smooth things over." His thoughts are on his father, recently dead, and he realizes the impossibility of explaining the loss. Jerra's loneliness and questions about life end in an ineffably sweet moment that proves love endures and needs no explanation. All the selections are strong and beautifully written, but those about the Nilsams stay longest in one's memory.
Copyright 1988 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Scribner
• Publication date: 1988
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 068911978X
• ISBN 13: 9780689119781
• Binding: Board book
• Number of pages: 176