My first Munro experience, Walker Bros. Cowboy seemed to lead nowhere. I was amazed by the vivid sense of life created; yet dumbfounded by the abrupt, confusing ending.

…From what I’ve gathered, her stories rely on conflict and social alienation. Stereotypes are used widely; the working housewife, breadwinner father, rebelling teenagers and views of religion and social status are also pigeonholed. The stories are set in lower class areas, the desolation and despair described vividly as from past experience. The narrative style of her stories makes even the youngest characters stand out as honest thinking & working people.

I really like her writing. I understand it. It interests me. The people are so real… its intimate. The stories make you think….

My reaction after a handful of stories is still relevant, but I had not yet looked beyond the actual story.

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