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A review by gianni_francis
The End of the Story by Lydia Davis
4.0
My favorite part about Davis's 'break-up' novel is the emotional objectivism of the narrator. She states that arguments happen, things were said, consequences resulted, but never what the arguments were regarding, what precisely was said. In terms of a relationship, "consequences" of tactlessness takes time to fester anyway; all the potential readers needs to know is that they break-up. (This is revealed within the first chapter, no spoilers.)
Objectively reporting subjective memories, Davis skips the boring 'he said, she said' although the truthfulness of what happened is very important to her, as is relaying it accurately. Accuracy and thoughtful entertainment. For that reason the novel partially becomes about itself, and it is unclear (in a good way) how much of this novel is fictional.
Our narrator commits some insane 'break up' acts, like following her ex's white car only to realize its not him, entertaining the idea of him living in her garage etc. She is very funny, thoughtful, and becomes crazy when her pride is damaged by this much younger ex, like any normal person would.
Objectively reporting subjective memories, Davis skips the boring 'he said, she said' although the truthfulness of what happened is very important to her, as is relaying it accurately. Accuracy and thoughtful entertainment. For that reason the novel partially becomes about itself, and it is unclear (in a good way) how much of this novel is fictional.
Our narrator commits some insane 'break up' acts, like following her ex's white car only to realize its not him, entertaining the idea of him living in her garage etc. She is very funny, thoughtful, and becomes crazy when her pride is damaged by this much younger ex, like any normal person would.