>The New Yorker: "Getting Closer" by Steven Millhauser

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I like Millhauser’s work, and this is well done as far as it goes, but it doesn’t make for much of a story. Not to mention that it seems geared toward much younger readers than the usual New Yorker Story.
The point of view character, Jimmy, is nine. His older sister is thirteen. The family has gone on a day-long adventure to a sandy beach on a river, which for Jimmy is heaven: floating on an inner tube, eating a hot dog, lying in the sun. It marks both the real beginning of summer and its highpoint. But the real pleasure in the day is in the anticipation, and Millhauser drags this out for as long as possible. Everything is about Jimmy getting closer and closer to the beginning of this glorious day, which is the moment when he gets in the river. Now, as it happens, he’s also somewhat afraid. He can’t swim, and so the fact that his older sister is swimming in the river is something of an embarrassment. But he’s just a kid, and he’s growing up, and so he “begins his day” by entering the river.
Okay. It’s interesting to think about what’s going on in Jimmy’s head. Or maybe to speculate about the symbolism represented by the river. But beyond that, I don’t think this one is terribly memorable.
January 3, 2011: “Getting Closer” by Steven Millhauser

About the author

I am the author of three novels--THE LAST BIRD OF PARADISE, OLIVER'S TRAVELS, and THE SHAMAN OF TURTLE VALLEY--and three story collections--IN AN UNCHARTED COUNTRY, HOUSE OF THE ANCIENTS AND OTHER STORIES, and WHAT THE ZHANG BOYS KNOW, winner of the Library of Virginia Literary Award for Fiction. I am also the co-founder and former editor of Prime Number Magazine and the editor of the award-winning anthology series EVERYWHERE STORIES: SHORT FICTION FROM A SMALL PLANET.

Comments

  1. >I read this last night and wondered why it was in the New Yorker. That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it, but stories like this are not why I'm still a subscriber. Anyway. I liked being inside Jimmy's head and by the end of the story (which was what, only three or four pages?) my breath was caught in my throat as he finally approached the water. I haven't read anything else by Millhauser – yet. I guess I'm glad this story was included so that I could stumble across Millhauser's work.

  2. >I'd rather read Millhauser in his magic real mode, but I liked this one. Didn't think it was geared so much toward a younger audience – the theme is pretty dark.

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