Cathedral
1976 • 240 pages
Ratings25
Average rating4
15
Ratings25
Average rating4
Raymond Carver said it was possible 'to write about commonplace things and objects using commonplace but precise language and endow these things - a chair, a window curtain, a fork, a stone, a woman's earring - with immense, even startling power'. Nowhere is this alchemy more striking than in the title story of Cathedral in which a blind man guides the hand of a sighted man as together they draw the cathedral the blind man can never see. Many view this story, and indeed this collection, as a watershed in the maturing of Carver's work to a more confidently poetic style.
Reviews with the most likes.
Amazing book. You know a short story writer is truly fantastic when each and every story hits you hard in the gut. But there's nothing spectacular or over the top about these stories - every day people in very ordinary experiences. Yet the power and special sadness of each story so sharply speaks to the experience of humans and our everyday relationships with each other. Each and every story is beautifully brief and poignant. Definitely would recommend to anyone who appreciates amazing, tactful writing.
Such a great short story - so simple and deep. Carver writes in basic, simple sentences. They are short and to the point. I loved reading this story and getting a glimpse into that time period. They had just gotten a color TV, so it takes place in the 1960's. Very “Mad Men-style” story. Great for fans of that television series.
