Horsie

by Dorothy Parker

What can you say, when a man asks you to dance with him? I most certainly will not dance with you. I’ll see you in hell first. Why, thank you, I’d like to awfully, but I’m having labor pains.

Acerbic, pithy and vibrant, Dorothy Parker’s writings capture the dizzying decadence of Jazz Age New York. Though Parker refuses to be swept along: she gleefully deconstructs its hypocrisy, prejudice and taboos with style and precision.

Genres: Fiction, Short Stories

160 pages, Paperback

Published April 17, 2025

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author by this name in the Goodreads data base.

Dorothy Parker was an American writer, poet and critic best known for her caustic wit, wisecracks, and sharp eye for 20th century urban foibles. From a conflicted and unhappy childhood, Parker rose to acclaim, both for her literary output in such venues as The New Yorker and as a founding member of the Algonquin Round Table. Following the breakup of the circle, Parker traveled to Hollywood to pursue screenwriting. Her successes there, including two Academy Award nominations, were curtailed as her involvement in left-wing politics led to a place on the Hollywood blacklist.
Dismissive of her own talents, she deplored her reputation as a "wisecracker." Nevertheless, her literary output and reputation for her sharp wit have endured.

Reviews

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short stories and poems. Most of the Short stories were 5 star reads, I will have to read a full novel of hers. They are funny, intricate and filled with irony.

1. The Lovely Leave 5/5
2. From The Diary Of A New York Lady 2/5
3. Mr Durant 4/5
4. The Standard Of Living 5/5
5. The Waltz 5/5
6. Horsie 4/5
7. The Little Hours 3/5
8. Big Blonde 5/5

Poems: Okay but not my cup of tea
Really liked the poem Résumé

[Melanie Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written collection of short stories and I wouldn’t call them funny as someone had said in a review. The themes follow abuse, insecurity, and suicide. It’s dark and the poems are as well. I guess I can say I found this book relatable in a comical way, how often society pressures love, happiness, desire, and beauty- creating a repetitive pattern of sadness.

[Rich Lambert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ate up Parker's style throughout her stories. Defo worth a read for that alone. A couple of the stories were a bit forgettable but I was still happily reading them because of Parker's phraseology. There's one image of raindrops on a window that merge together that was perfect.

Fave stories:
- The Lovely Leave
- The Waltz
- Big Blonde


Bonus note for the poems. Just as fun and punchy. The Willow especially stood out

[Rick Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dorothy Parker's writing leaves you laughing and sad at the same time...her protagonists are all good at masking shame, boredom, and fury with bite, humor, and a breezy attitude. Her writing definitely arises from 1930's New York, but it is so timeless, and the life in her writing is a bracing wind.

[Alexa Van Dusen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously 5 stars, Dorothy Parker cannot be beat. She is so snide and smart without relying on dated humour. Stories still remain relevant and frankly hilarious. She has such a unique, poetic voice in each story that seems to perfectly align with her characters and the joke we are all in on.

[Jeni Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a pleasure to be introduced to Dororthy Parker's writing through these short pieces. A few were very excellent, and a couple were a little disappointing - but overall, a quite enjoyable short introduction to her work.

[Rupert · Rating 4 out of 5]

horsie

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

"So I'm thinking of throwing the battle -
Would you kindly direct me to hell?"

[Payson Lynch · Rating 4 out of 5]

i too crash out when my nails look horrible

[Dieguits · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt so chic reading Dorothy Parker in the subway, as I should!!!

[Mairead · Rating 3 out of 5]

nice

[Zoe Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

funny and clever- “constant use had not worn ragged the fabric of their friendship”

[Finley Lane McElroy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25/5 | physical
Been meaning to read Dorothy Parker for ages. Her short stories are quite funny, the poetry didn’t do much for me though