Passion and Affect: Stories

Laurie Colwin’s stories delight and fascinate me. Her people’s pains and passions are tender and symphonic. I shall read more and more of them until I understand the human condition.

This is Laurie Colwin's first collection of stories. They largely deal with lonely, upper-middle class people in big cities having illicit or awkward relationships. Her other two collections deal with this topic often. She writes with a certain subtle grace. The characters are quite relatable.

Laurie Colwin continues to be a favorite. I have read all her work, again and again. Recently purchased this book of early stories after loaning or losing or misplacing my copy. She left this world far too young. If you are looking for funny, sweet, interesting, odd, perfectly drawn characters, read these. They are not sappy or "cute." Indeed, each story will give you pause. Each is like an appetizer to a great meal, filling in itself, but also whetting the appetite for more.

I found Passion and Affect to be too dated and slightly strange to be enjoyable. Yes, I plugged through it because I had enjoyed Laurie Colwin's other books. I think several of the story endings are abrupt and the plots just a little strained. It wasn't much money to spend, but I would have rather read something more enjoyable.

I like all of her books and will read this one on an upcoming trip!