Sunday, April 5, 2009

The Uncertainty Principle - Lynda Curnyn







Short Story Title: The Uncertainty Principle
Author: Lynda Curnyn
Book: American Girls About Town
Rating: 4 out of 5 horses


First Line:

"It's the computer I notice first. Not the computer but the sight of my words disappearing into a pinprick of light on the screen."
Tracy is working on a deadline and the power goes out. It's a New York blackout this after 9-11. The blackout makes Trace explore her failed relationship with Jess and shows her insecurities in not being able to contact anyone. Also she has not unpacked her apartment and her mother harasses her because she can't find a flashlight. Her friend Shauna shows up and they go to the shore to look at New Jersey. They are both shocked that they think New Jersey is beautiful.
Review
This story is about Tracy coming to terms...with her breakup and being alone. I LOVE New York and like to hear about normal people in NY (not Sex in the City type people - though I also like Sex in the City - I just don't think they are normal in a way that most people are). Also I enjoyed hearing her memories of 9-11 how she went to work even after the planes hit and then had to walk home...that would have probably been something that I would have done. I enjoyed this story and the writing.
John at The Book Mine Set is hosting Short Story Mondays! Pop over there and see what people are reading or let us know what short stories you are reading. Also if you want to see more literary stories this is a good place to go...this Monday John reviewed Kafka!

4 comments:

Eva said...

I read this collection, and I definitely think this was one of the most interesting stories! It made me laugh, which is important, but the ending was perfectly poignant, you know?

JoAnn said...

This sounds like an interesting collection of short stories! I think I would like The Uncertainty Principle better than the other one you reviewed today.

John Mutford said...

Ooooo, I love books, poems, stories that use 9-11 as a backdrop. I'll loook for this one.

gautami tripathy said...

One more to watch out for. Thanks!

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