Our Story Begins: New and Selected Stories
by: Tobias Wolff
Published by: Vintage Books, Random House
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Reviewed by Erin Clyburn
Our Story Begins is a collection of short stories both old and new from Tobias Wolff, a contemporary author considered part of the short story renaissance of the late 20th century.
His stories are well written and unique, but follow fairly predictable plot lines, mostly centered around a concrete moral dilemma, and are succinct in their execution. They are simple, accessible stories—snapshots of life—that would appeal to virtually any reader. Wolff gives you a glimpse of a few moments in his characters’ lives, then leaves you to wonder what happens next.
What his stories lack is the punch other contemporary short story writers are able to pack into just a few pages. Raymond Carver, for example, wrote along very similar lines—slice-of-life stories about slightly dysfunctional, frighteningly normal folks. Carver’s stories, though, get under your skin, and stay with you. Wolff’s stories have slightly less staying power.
This is not at all to discredit Wolff’s talent—it’s just a picky observation. He invents solid characters and scenarios that are inventive and interesting. He uses irony in a way that is at once touching, sad, and humorous. It would be impossible to come away from reading Our Story Begins without taking some memorable scenes and passages with you.
If you’re not as familiar with other contemporary American short story writers, you may feel yourself very affected by Wolff’s work and may even find his stories faultless. If, on the other hand, it’s a genre you’re familiar with, you may find yourself making lots of mental comparisons in favor of your personal favorites.
The only problem with the book itself is that in the introduction Wolff acknowledges that he revised older stories as he saw fit. Some readers might not consider this a problem, but if you’re a purist, this is a slightly frustrating thing with which to come to terms.
Otherwise, the compilation feels well chosen and cohesive. The older stories do not stand apart from the newer stories, rather they all mesh together, proving the strength and sureness of the author’s voice over time. The stories never drag, and it is a thoroughly enjoyable read, cover to cover.
Armchair Interviews says: A most interesting short story collection.
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