Novel By: J.D. Salinger
I think it’s best to divide this review into chunks, allowing me to effectively describe the nine individual stories, and the similarities they had with one another.
The first story was none other than the infamous A Perfect Day For Bananafish. I find it interesting that this was the introduction piece for the rest of the book, but I found the deliberate placement to work in my favor; Because I had previously read Franny and Zooey, I knew enough about Seymour Glass to have context for the situation at hand. My love of Salinger’s dialogue and depiction of the Glass family only grew after reading this short story, as so much can be conveyed through the hidden meanings and seemingly harmless conversations that took place in this tale about post-war psyche.
The second story, Uncle Wiggly in Connecticut, is about a married woman, her college roommate, and her peculiar daughter. A lot of things were left unsaid, yet can be easily deduced by the change in tone and dynamic actions that took place. I liked seeing the different interactions that defined the relationships the main character had because of how they were beautifully written. The third story, Just Before the War with the Eskimos, describes the relationships and conversations between two teenage girls that play tennis together, a mentally and physically unwell older brother, and a very snooty man. The simple but seemingly odd exchange of objects held my interest throughout the read, as well as gave me something to ponder afterwards. Both of the aforementioned stories deal with the war; one character has been robbed of love, and another character feels rejected, like a shell of themselves. Salinger was able to bring up perspectives of post war life that resonate with American civilians, instead of the popularized viewpoint of the soldier.
The Laughing Man is the fourth short story in this collection. Like the previous three, this piece needs to be read between the lines. The parallels between the two stories told into one was really captivating, and the fact that it was told from an adolescent point of view allowed me to ponder my own conclusions.
Continuing the inclusion of adolescence into his fifth story, Down at the Dinghy, Salinger then exposes more socially relevant ideologies. A little boy running away when his feelings are hurt, a mother trying to protect her son’s innocence from the evils of prejudice and two maids who are blissfully ignorant to what they are contributing to. I think this gave a glimpse into some of Salinger’s morals, as well as depicts a very real lifestyle some had in the unforgiving 1950s.
For Esmé—with Love and Squalor was my favorite short story in Nine Stories, but also my favorite short story, point blank. I think I like it so much because of the element of truth riddled within the fiction; it successfully nudges o9pen the gate of Salinger’s personal life, if only just a little bit. I feel as if I’ve poked my head into his memories, allowing me to better understand his relationship to World War II. I hope that if there is an Esmé out there, she is doing well and enjoyed this—what I presume to be—dual response letter and dedication story.
The seventh short story is titled Pretty Mouth and Green My Eyes. In contrast of the other tales, I found the context of this one to be easily comprehensible in the beginning, keeping me captivated and constantly predicting the next chain of events. There is a large focus on deception and pride, specifically with the conversation of two men and the presence of a woman.
The last two stories shift from the war and towards mysticism and spiritualism. The eighth story of De Daumier-Smith’s Blue Period was quite the whirlwind read, and very different from the preceding seven. It effectively highlighted another style of storytelling that Salinger effectively utilizes. With practically no dialogue and strictly first person remarks. De Daumier-Smith’s Blue Period deals with people-pleasing, self expression, and religious intervention. Shifting from one religious philosophy into another, Salinger closes off this novel with his ninth and final story: Teddy. This was a fascinating way to conclude my reading experience. The plot was revealed slowly but surely in a growing crescendo of information, from beginning to end. Having background knowledge from Herman Hesse’s Siddhartha came in handy with this story. I finished Teddy very early in the morning, and was left with lots of puzzling, philosophical ideas to contemplate. I can recognize Salinger’s connection with God within these last two pieces, as well as with Franny and Zooey.
All nine stories were short, sweet, and melancholic. Though they were not as vibrantly funny and joyous as I initially expected, I still loved this read. I know J. D. Salinger is not everyone’s cup of tea, though, so if you have not liked his writing style in other works,then it is probably best to stay clear of this novel.
I don’t want this review to turn into a love letter to the author, so I will leave you with a ranking of the nine stories, with one being my favorite and ten being my least favorite:
- For Esmé—with Love and Squalor
- A Perfect Day For Bananafish
- Pretty Mouth and Green My Eyes
- Teddy
- Just Before the War with the Eskimos
- The Laughing Man
- De Daumier-Smith’s Blue Period
- Uncle Wiggly in Connecticut
- Down at the Dinghy
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