Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Steven Millhauser, "Tales Of Darkness And The Unknown, Vol . X I V, The White Glove"

from Tin House, #44


—She reminded me of things I liked: streetlights at night, a peaceful room.


This story, for me, held magic. I found myself completely engrossed. I loved the characters, the language, the mystery, the tone, the whole thing. This one just touched me. I’ll use the word magic again—this one felt magical, although there was no “magic” practiced in it.

Will becomes friends with Emily. She seems to suit some particular need he has for calmness and quiet, and their relationship blooms. But then she mysteriously begins wearing a single white glove on her left hand. The mystery is powerful for Will. What is she hiding? Why won’t she show him? Will as simple a thing as a single glove disrupt his whole comfortable relationship?

I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed this one, but I fear saying too much and risk spoiling it. If you would like to read an excerpt you can find it here. But it’s only a little taste.

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