The Laughing Man
helena kim (helenak@geocities.com)
Sun, 08 Feb 1998 14:06:42 +0000
i just re read -the laughing man-, in an attempt to try and get
something more out of it that i did the previous times. it's a nice
story, it really is, but it just doesn't hit me in the same way the
other eight do.
there is of course, the obligatory childs eye point of view, which is
always good when salinger does it. i liked that. and the actual stories
that the chief tells the boys about the laughing man are brilliant, and
intensely enjoyable.
but i found the whole thing about mary hudson, the girl who 'smells of
wonderful perfume' and knows how to wave elegantly from third base, the
girl who was initially shunned but evenuallly accepted because of her
excellent ball playing and persistent charm, rather cloying. indeed,
(dare i say it in relaton to salinger?) cliched? all that i can get out
of -the laughing man- is that it's a love story with a sad ending, and
vaguely parallel sub plot and an interesting third person narration.
i'm not slating it. i *like* it. it's a good story. but it's my least
favourite jds. is there something i'm missing? can anyone help me try
and see more?
i know some of you mentioned that it was one of your favourites. i was
hoping that maybe someone could nudge me in the right direction with it.
:helena
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http://www.geocities.com/SouthBeach/4801/