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The Custard Heart
'She felt a cozy solidarity with the big company of the voluntary dead.'
Wise-cracking and heartbreaking, these tales of women on the edge by the legendary wit Dorothy Parker show the darkness beneath the surface of the Jazz Age.
Penguin Modern: fifty new books celebrating the pioneering spirit of the iconic Penguin Modern Classics series, with each one offering a concentrated hit of its contemporary, international flavour. Here are authors ranging from Kathy Acker to James Baldwin, Truman Capote to Stanislaw Lem and George Orwell to Shirley Jackson; essays radical and inspiring; poems moving and disturbing; stories surreal and fabulous; taking us from the deep South to modern Japan, New York's underground scene to the farthest reaches of outer space.
Wise-cracking and heartbreaking, these tales of women on the edge by the legendary wit Dorothy Parker show the darkness beneath the surface of the Jazz Age.
Penguin Modern: fifty new books celebrating the pioneering spirit of the iconic Penguin Modern Classics series, with each one offering a concentrated hit of its contemporary, international flavour. Here are authors ranging from Kathy Acker to James Baldwin, Truman Capote to Stanislaw Lem and George Orwell to Shirley Jackson; essays radical and inspiring; poems moving and disturbing; stories surreal and fabulous; taking us from the deep South to modern Japan, New York's underground scene to the farthest reaches of outer space.
50 pages, Paperback
First published February 22, 2018
44 people are currently reading
1484 people want to read
About the author
Dorothy Parker
327 books2,042 followersLibrarian 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 249 reviews
January 19, 2022
I'm so glad that my Penguin Modern Classics adventure has finally prompted me to sample Dorothy Parker. All three of the stories in this book are witty, sharp-edged and laced with melancholy. My favorite is "The Big Blonde" about a woman who is trapped by her male companions' expectations to be cheerful and a good sport. I will be reading more of Parker.
Penguin Modern Classics
#1 - Letter from Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King, Jr.
#2 - Television Was a Baby Crawling Toward That Deathchamber by Allen Ginsberg
#3 - The Breakthrough by Daphne Du Maurier
#4 - The Custard Heart by Dorothy Parker
Penguin Modern Classics
#1 - Letter from Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King, Jr.
#2 - Television Was a Baby Crawling Toward That Deathchamber by Allen Ginsberg
#3 - The Breakthrough by Daphne Du Maurier
#4 - The Custard Heart by Dorothy Parker
April 7, 2018
The second story Big Blonde, is a remarkable tale of undiagnosed depression.
Read
August 1, 2022For a long time I was certain that Dorothy Parker and Dorothy L. Sayers were one and the same person, perhaps rather like Clark Kent and Superman are .
But perhaps I was right and they were the same person maintaining separate identities on each side of the Atlantic? And did any one ever see them in the same room together?
From the one Dorothy I have only read her translation of the first part of the Divine Comedy, and from the other only this collection of three mini stories and they do dove tail pretty well - which supports my suspicion. It's all circles of Hell .
Like I was saying, two women called Dorothy? Come on, they've got to be the same person!
Anyway, the first story reminded me of the beginning of the story of the Buddha's life, a person kept secluded from the pains of life, attempts made to hide from her the aged, the sick, and the dead. But the central character suffers all the same.
The last story was the lightest about the lighter side of the dangers of drink and drunkenness.
Which is all to the good because the ' The Big Blonde', the longest story in this collection is washed by the darker side of alcohol and how it surprisingly does not combine all that well with persistent and deep rooted melancholy.
It is a fine picture of New York life between the wars, not skyscrapers but temporary relationships, drinking dens, and playing cards to win those ten dollars more that you need for your housekeeping.
But perhaps I was right and they were the same person maintaining separate identities on each side of the Atlantic? And did any one ever see them in the same room together?
From the one Dorothy I have only read her translation of the first part of the Divine Comedy, and from the other only this collection of three mini stories and they do dove tail pretty well - which supports my suspicion. It's all circles of Hell .
Like I was saying, two women called Dorothy? Come on, they've got to be the same person!
Anyway, the first story reminded me of the beginning of the story of the Buddha's life, a person kept secluded from the pains of life, attempts made to hide from her the aged, the sick, and the dead. But the central character suffers all the same.
The last story was the lightest about the lighter side of the dangers of drink and drunkenness.
Which is all to the good because the ' The Big Blonde', the longest story in this collection is washed by the darker side of alcohol and how it surprisingly does not combine all that well with persistent and deep rooted melancholy.
It is a fine picture of New York life between the wars, not skyscrapers but temporary relationships, drinking dens, and playing cards to win those ten dollars more that you need for your housekeeping.
March 14, 2019
A collection of short stories that revolved around undiagnosed depression, alcoholism and marriage beneath the surface of the Jazz Age - even though these stories were a classics, the themes and mood still ring true to today. Loved the second story, “Big Blonde” the most - it’s so full with an emotional weight laced with feelings of melancholy towards the human condition. What a breathtaking combo.
June 7, 2018
The Custard Heart is the fourth book in the Penguin Moderns series, which I have decided to read in order after receiving the full boxed collection in all of its glory. The three stories by Dorothy Parker in this collection - 'The Custard Heart', 'Big Blonde', and 'You Were Perfectly Fine' - have all been taken from The Collected Dorothy Parker, which was first published as The Portable Dorothy Parker in 1944. Whilst I've not read any of Parker's short stories before, I have read the entirety of her poetry output.
The descriptions in each of these stories, which are 'tales of women on the edge' are startling and vivid. From 'The Custard Heart', for instance, '... Mrs Lanier wore yellow of evening. She had gowns of velvet like poured country cream and satin with the lacquer of buttercups and chiffon that spiraled about her like golden smoke. She wore them, and listened in shy surprise to the resulting comparisons to daffodils, and butterflies in the sunshine, and such...'.
Here, Parker paints intimate portraits of three women, in a perceptive and introspective manner. Parker looks at ageing, relationships, emotions, and womanhood at different stages, amongst other things. 'Big Blonde', which shows the slip into depression and its depths, was as tense as it was fantastic. I found each of these tales immediately immersive, and am very much looking forward to reading the rest of her stories in future.
The descriptions in each of these stories, which are 'tales of women on the edge' are startling and vivid. From 'The Custard Heart', for instance, '... Mrs Lanier wore yellow of evening. She had gowns of velvet like poured country cream and satin with the lacquer of buttercups and chiffon that spiraled about her like golden smoke. She wore them, and listened in shy surprise to the resulting comparisons to daffodils, and butterflies in the sunshine, and such...'.
Here, Parker paints intimate portraits of three women, in a perceptive and introspective manner. Parker looks at ageing, relationships, emotions, and womanhood at different stages, amongst other things. 'Big Blonde', which shows the slip into depression and its depths, was as tense as it was fantastic. I found each of these tales immediately immersive, and am very much looking forward to reading the rest of her stories in future.
October 30, 2021
Video Review (YouTube)
---Original Review---
Dorothy Parker is quickly becoming one of my my favourite female authors. At least, she's definitely one of the coolest. I might have to complete her works after I've completed O'Connor's.
Review coming soon.
---Original Review---
Dorothy Parker is quickly becoming one of my my favourite female authors. At least, she's definitely one of the coolest. I might have to complete her works after I've completed O'Connor's.
Review coming soon.
March 14, 2021
A collection of wistful and enticing tales by the brilliant Dorothy Parker, written during the Jazz Age, whose themes remain relevant to this day.
Alcoholism, depression and marriage are the main themes the tales tackle and explore. Needless to say, Parker's writing style/word choice is witty and distinctive.
What I like about the women in these tales (the main characters in the tales, for the most part) is that they feel everything so intensely, are empathetic towards the underdog, the fellow sufferers and loners. The tales just go to show how breakable and malleable we can be.
In my opinion, if these tales were written a century later, many of the characters (who do not support emotional outbursts in the tales) would be composed upon the belief of toxic positivity or the "good vibes only" approach to life. Parker explores how (what is nowadays known as) toxic positivity can do more harm than good, thus she goes on to show how it denies/minimizes one's feelings and (even) deprives one from feeling whatsoever.
In any case, upon reading these tales, the more you will dig, the more you will find out!
Alcoholism, depression and marriage are the main themes the tales tackle and explore. Needless to say, Parker's writing style/word choice is witty and distinctive.
What I like about the women in these tales (the main characters in the tales, for the most part) is that they feel everything so intensely, are empathetic towards the underdog, the fellow sufferers and loners. The tales just go to show how breakable and malleable we can be.
In my opinion, if these tales were written a century later, many of the characters (who do not support emotional outbursts in the tales) would be composed upon the belief of toxic positivity or the "good vibes only" approach to life. Parker explores how (what is nowadays known as) toxic positivity can do more harm than good, thus she goes on to show how it denies/minimizes one's feelings and (even) deprives one from feeling whatsoever.
In any case, upon reading these tales, the more you will dig, the more you will find out!
March 5, 2021
Dorothy Parker je jedna zo spisovateliek, ktorých preklady mi na československej scéne chýbajú. Ide o veľmi inteligentnú, vtipnú a bystrú autorku skúsenú v písaní o problémoch žien v každodennom prostredí. Narazila som na ňu, keď sme si mali vyberať poviedky na hodiny prekladu. Bavil ma jej šikovný naratív ako keby zo ženskej mysle. Čo si žena myslí, keď ju akýsi čudák pozve do tanca? Na preklade poviedky Valčík (Waltz) som sa teda nasmiala. A ako sa cíti žena, ktorej milovaný (zároveň však šéf) nezavolá? Do takýchto bežných situácií Dorothy vkladá svoje protagonistky a my ich ako čitatelia nevidíme len zvonku, ale aj zvnútra.
The Custard Heart je krátka zbierka troch poviedok, ktorá sleduje príbehy troch žien plné bolesti a trápenia. Dorothy v nich rozoberá otázky neplodnosti, psychických problémov či neopätovanej lásky. Ukazuje nám, že ženy sú a vždy boli komplexné osoby s citmi a ašpiráciami. Muži ich v prvej polovici dvadsiateho storočia brali ako citlivé stvorenia, ktoré im majú robiť vždy usmievavé a pekne naladené spoločníčky naprieč ich zaneprázdneným testosterónom nabitým životom. Ženy boli často umlčané, ich problémy sa zametali pod koberec a nedávala sa im ťažká váha. Dorothy týmto ženám však dáva hlas a my ho prostredníctvom jej šikovného pera počúvame.
The Custard Heart je krátka zbierka troch poviedok, ktorá sleduje príbehy troch žien plné bolesti a trápenia. Dorothy v nich rozoberá otázky neplodnosti, psychických problémov či neopätovanej lásky. Ukazuje nám, že ženy sú a vždy boli komplexné osoby s citmi a ašpiráciami. Muži ich v prvej polovici dvadsiateho storočia brali ako citlivé stvorenia, ktoré im majú robiť vždy usmievavé a pekne naladené spoločníčky naprieč ich zaneprázdneným testosterónom nabitým životom. Ženy boli často umlčané, ich problémy sa zametali pod koberec a nedávala sa im ťažká váha. Dorothy týmto ženám však dáva hlas a my ho prostredníctvom jej šikovného pera počúvame.
January 16, 2022
Three stories about women’s daily reality in the Jazz Age, Parker’s devastating combination of witty nonchalance and profound sadness especially shines in the second story, Big Blonde. Utterly depressing and hauntingly relatable, even (or is it especially?) today.
CW: depression, anxiety, gaslighting, psychological and physical abuse, alcoholism and substance abuse, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempt
CW: depression, anxiety, gaslighting, psychological and physical abuse, alcoholism and substance abuse, suicidal thoughts and suicide attempt
August 5, 2018
“…so that she might be spared as long as possible from the bright new cruelty of the day. Only when the littler and kinder hours had succeeded noon could she bring herself to come forth and face the recurrent sorrows of living.”
Sounds like the ultimate easy Sunday plan: stay in bed until well past noon and read books or do nothing! Now, I can quote Dorothy Parker whenever being a human gets too much for my custard heart. That ingenious title though—it brings the image of pudding to your mind eye. 🍮 And, now imagine that pudding is like your sensitive fragile melting sweet little heart. Although, in the context of the story, the title is a clever irony and an exaggeration. But really, don’t you just admire Parker’s wit?
‘The Custard Heart’ is a small collection which contains three short stories and they are equal parts wisecracking and heartbreaking. Parker’s portrayal of ‘women on the edge’ is vivid and disconcerting, and the social commentary on the darkness beneath the surface of hedonistic, decadent and glamorous Jazz age, is acute. Parker’s writing does no telling, only the showing, in an implicit way—it makes the reading experience all the more rewarding as you grapple with the clues to grasp what she is not telling you.
The titular tale is about a privileged lady, with the wealth and luxury of upper-class in the Jazz age, who spends all her days creating the perfect impression of ‘wistfulness’ and deluding herself and everyone around her. It is a charming tale in which Parker’s lyrical prose, sly humour and irony shine the brightest. The second story is a tragic and dark tale of a woman’s struggle to be ‘a good sport’ and her downward spiral to the undiagnosed depression. The language is startling and visceral, and it broke my heart. The third one ‘You Were Perfectly Fine’ is a cynical humorous little tale which derides the sincerity (or the lack thereof) of mens’ declarations of love.
Sounds like the ultimate easy Sunday plan: stay in bed until well past noon and read books or do nothing! Now, I can quote Dorothy Parker whenever being a human gets too much for my custard heart. That ingenious title though—it brings the image of pudding to your mind eye. 🍮 And, now imagine that pudding is like your sensitive fragile melting sweet little heart. Although, in the context of the story, the title is a clever irony and an exaggeration. But really, don’t you just admire Parker’s wit?
‘The Custard Heart’ is a small collection which contains three short stories and they are equal parts wisecracking and heartbreaking. Parker’s portrayal of ‘women on the edge’ is vivid and disconcerting, and the social commentary on the darkness beneath the surface of hedonistic, decadent and glamorous Jazz age, is acute. Parker’s writing does no telling, only the showing, in an implicit way—it makes the reading experience all the more rewarding as you grapple with the clues to grasp what she is not telling you.
The titular tale is about a privileged lady, with the wealth and luxury of upper-class in the Jazz age, who spends all her days creating the perfect impression of ‘wistfulness’ and deluding herself and everyone around her. It is a charming tale in which Parker’s lyrical prose, sly humour and irony shine the brightest. The second story is a tragic and dark tale of a woman’s struggle to be ‘a good sport’ and her downward spiral to the undiagnosed depression. The language is startling and visceral, and it broke my heart. The third one ‘You Were Perfectly Fine’ is a cynical humorous little tale which derides the sincerity (or the lack thereof) of mens’ declarations of love.
June 17, 2018
this was the first time i've read anything by dorothy parker, and this tiny book is a great introduction to her work. these three stories portray in few words all the existential and intellectual boredom of the jazz age: the first is about a lady who spends all her energy on creating the perfect appearance of "wistfulness" and makes herself into a perfect image of female suffering. she elevates her sadness to become a saint-like figure, a 'denied madonna', and she deludes everyone including herself. the second story is much more explicitly about female performance for the male gaze: the protagonist realises she can have endless attention from men by being a 'good sport'. the third story is a romance, but a bathetic one. dorothy parker's short stories completely encapsulate this era of blind hedonism and rich characters who live in their own fantasy of self-importance while completely ignoring the poverty and suffering that is obvious all around them.
April 10, 2018
This small collection contains three short stories. The Custard Heart was interesting (and that title is fantastic), but the second story, Big Blonde, made an intense impression on me, even though it was as short as it was (which in a way, only makes me have more respect for the writer Dorothy Parker; to have collected so much emotion and unspoken feelings in so little pages). A story about the effects depression can have on ones life, definitely when no one around you is willing to accept it.
My first Penguin Modern, and a great start. Also my first Dorothy Parker now I’m thinking about it; I still have The Collected Dorothy Parker waiting for me on my shelves...
My first Penguin Modern, and a great start. Also my first Dorothy Parker now I’m thinking about it; I still have The Collected Dorothy Parker waiting for me on my shelves...
August 22, 2020
My first of Dorothy Parker, consists of three short stories; The Custard Heart, Big Blonde and You Were Perfectly Fine, all narratives from the eyes of a woman-- on privilege, love and relationship, mental health and wittiness of one's concern. Love its phrasing and writing style-- cynical and pleasant. Not much of a heavy plot, but my personal favorite would be the second short story-- Big Blonde, it was quite emotional and poignant. Also, You Were Perfectly Fine was really a short fun comedic read. If you haven't read any books by Dorothy Parker, I think this small collection would be a great introduction to her writings.
February 10, 2021
veider suhe on mul nende Penguin Modern Classics raamatutega - ise ma neid lugemiseks kunagi ei vali (kuigi kogu aeg tunnen, et peaks), aga elu aegajalt toob neid mu teele. seekord siis kohaliku raamatukogu veebruarikuine "pimekohting raamatuga", kust ausalt öeldes valisin paki samapalju mõõdu kui kirjelduse järgi, sest mul oli parajasti juba piisavalt mitu piisavalt paksu raamatut pooleli.
(kirjeldus, muide, oli selline: "Glamorous Jazz Age. Wisecracking. Heartbreaking. The darkness beneath the surface. Evocative characters.")
kolm lühijuttu, kokku 50 lehekülge, kui raske see olla sai. no ei olnudki raske, tegelikult olid väga loetavad lood ja ei võtnud kaua. aga nagu ikka, tuli siis sinna juurde lugeda Parkeri elulugu ja muud tausta, et aru saada, miks ikkagi täpselt nüüdisaegne klassika ja üldse, mida tahtis autor meile oma teosega öelda.
eks siin tõesti oli kõike seda, mida pakendil lubati, aga kuidagi hoopis teisel moel kui ma ootasin. rohkem ikkagi pimedust pinna all kui glamuuri, rohkem heartbreaking kui wisecracking. kõik lood olid naistest, kel pealtnäha oli kõik pigem hästi ja tegelikult sugugi mitte. üks neist, "Big Blonde", oli populaarne juba ilmumisajal (1929) ja seda peetakse siiani üheks Parkeri tähtteoseks. alkoholism ja depressioon ja üsna vähe glamuuri. mind miskipärast kõnetas kõige rohkem hoopis "You Were Perfectly Fine", mis oli napp 5 lehekülge pikk ja tehniliselt võttes naljakas, aga tegelikult hästi õudne lugu, mille õudus vist tuli tegelikult sellest, et eelmine alkoholismilugu oli just loetud ja oli hästi selge, millega kogu see nali varsti lõppeb.
ja nagu ikka, lugesin raamatu lõpulehekülgedelt läbi 50 pealkirjast koosneva nimekirja sarja ülejäänud raamatutest ja nentisin, et neid kõiki peaks lugema, aga väga ei taha, aga küllap ma mõnikord jälle loen kogemata/sunnitult ja saan targemaks.
(kirjeldus, muide, oli selline: "Glamorous Jazz Age. Wisecracking. Heartbreaking. The darkness beneath the surface. Evocative characters.")
kolm lühijuttu, kokku 50 lehekülge, kui raske see olla sai. no ei olnudki raske, tegelikult olid väga loetavad lood ja ei võtnud kaua. aga nagu ikka, tuli siis sinna juurde lugeda Parkeri elulugu ja muud tausta, et aru saada, miks ikkagi täpselt nüüdisaegne klassika ja üldse, mida tahtis autor meile oma teosega öelda.
eks siin tõesti oli kõike seda, mida pakendil lubati, aga kuidagi hoopis teisel moel kui ma ootasin. rohkem ikkagi pimedust pinna all kui glamuuri, rohkem heartbreaking kui wisecracking. kõik lood olid naistest, kel pealtnäha oli kõik pigem hästi ja tegelikult sugugi mitte. üks neist, "Big Blonde", oli populaarne juba ilmumisajal (1929) ja seda peetakse siiani üheks Parkeri tähtteoseks. alkoholism ja depressioon ja üsna vähe glamuuri. mind miskipärast kõnetas kõige rohkem hoopis "You Were Perfectly Fine", mis oli napp 5 lehekülge pikk ja tehniliselt võttes naljakas, aga tegelikult hästi õudne lugu, mille õudus vist tuli tegelikult sellest, et eelmine alkoholismilugu oli just loetud ja oli hästi selge, millega kogu see nali varsti lõppeb.
ja nagu ikka, lugesin raamatu lõpulehekülgedelt läbi 50 pealkirjast koosneva nimekirja sarja ülejäänud raamatutest ja nentisin, et neid kõiki peaks lugema, aga väga ei taha, aga küllap ma mõnikord jälle loen kogemata/sunnitult ja saan targemaks.
February 6, 2023
Dorothy Parker’s writing, or in this small capsule, at least, reveals some dark and heavy topics. These women have no agency, no thoughts of their own, or was that the point? Of the three short stories included in this Penguin classic, Big Blonde, evokes feelings of despair and heartbreak for the Big Blonde. The Big Blonde spirals out of control, drinking to the point, of killing herself. So many claim Dorothy Parker wrote witty stories. This small sample of her writing shows darkness, despair, and sad and lonely women. Do I dare to admit I feel the need to drink copious amounts of alcohol after reading this?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2018
นี่ถ้าปิดชื่อคนเขียน แล้วบอกว่าเป็นงานฟิตซ์เจอรัลด์ก็เกือบเชื่อ เพราะในรวมเล่มบางๆ ชิ้นนี้ เราได้ยินเสียงดนตรีแจ๊ซคลอมาเหมือนกัน เห็นเลื่อมประดับวับวาว ดวงไฟวูบไหว พร้อมกับความกลับไม่ได้ไปไม่ถึงในการวิ่งไล่ไขว่คว้าความรักเหมือนกัน แค่ของปาร์กเกอร์ฟุ้งกลิ่นน้ำหอมเยอะกว่าหน่อย และพูดถึงความรักแบบเสียดสี ไม่ยี่หระ แต่ข้างในทั้งร้าวและเปราะชนิดที่ว่าแค่สะกิดเบาๆ ตัวตนนั้นก็พร้อมซบลงร้องห่มร้องไห้
ปาร์กเกอร์เขียนหนังสือสวยมากด้วย ตรงนี้ทำเราใจละลายเลย
“... Mrs. Larnier wore yellow of evenings. She had gowns of velvet like poured country cream and satin with the laquer of buttercups and chiffon that spiraled about her like golden smoke. She worr them, and listen in shy surprise to the resulting comparisons to daffodils, and butterflies in the sunshine” ความสีเหลืองพร่างพราวมากเลยจ้า 🤩
ปาร์กเกอร์เขียนหนังสือสวยมากด้วย ตรงนี้ทำเราใจละลายเลย
“... Mrs. Larnier wore yellow of evenings. She had gowns of velvet like poured country cream and satin with the laquer of buttercups and chiffon that spiraled about her like golden smoke. She worr them, and listen in shy surprise to the resulting comparisons to daffodils, and butterflies in the sunshine” ความสีเหลืองพร่างพราวมากเลยจ้า 🤩
May 1, 2018
Reading is supposed to bring great pleasure, isn't it? Well this certainly does not do that. Two of the three stories are of girls who just whore it up and the theme of two of them is booze, drunken guys and how the girls love achoholics. The finale! How many guys can a girl do in an evening.
Unpleasent, turgid and should not have seen print.
This is number 4 of the Penguin Moderns, only 46 to go.
Unpleasent, turgid and should not have seen print.
This is number 4 of the Penguin Moderns, only 46 to go.
March 3, 2020
4.50-star
I once kept an anthology-like paperback entitled The Portable Dorothy Parker (Penguin 1944) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothy...). The author's literary works or fame were surprisingly unfamiliar to me; they being probably excluded for some reason, even in those English literature courses in my college years, let alone any review or information to have encouraged me after that. A reason is that, I think, I should have known something about the Jazz Age (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jazz_Age) since it is one of the key terms that serves as her literary background as we can see from this synopsis, "Wise-cracking and heart-breaking, these tales of women on the edge by the legendary wit Dorothy Parker show the darkness beneath the surface of the Jazz Age." (back cover) As far as I recall on reading some novels famously-written and highly-acclaimed in the Jazz Age, I read only two, that is, The Great Gatsby (1925) and Tender Is the Night (1934) by F. Scott Fitzgerald, probably due to my lack of proper interest in the Age and its music.
Surprisingly, I found I could enjoy reading not only her innovative and realistic plots but also her wit in terms of humor, irony, satire, etc. ; therefore, while reading her texts, I couldn't help admiring her as one the legendary authors whose writing keeps me literally alert, fulfilled and relished. For instance:
In the afternoons, Mrs Lanier wore black, thin and fragrant, with the great pearls weeping on her breast. (p. 2)
Wedded and relaxed, she poured her tears freely. To her who had laughed so much, crying was delicious. (p. 16)
The coffee was all she had until she went out to dinner, but alcohol kept her fat. . . . She was never noticeably drunk and seldom nearly sober. It required a larger daily allowance to keep her misty-minded. Too little, and she were achingly melancholy. (pp. 27-28)
etc.
To continue . . .
I once kept an anthology-like paperback entitled The Portable Dorothy Parker (Penguin 1944) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dorothy...). The author's literary works or fame were surprisingly unfamiliar to me; they being probably excluded for some reason, even in those English literature courses in my college years, let alone any review or information to have encouraged me after that. A reason is that, I think, I should have known something about the Jazz Age (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jazz_Age) since it is one of the key terms that serves as her literary background as we can see from this synopsis, "Wise-cracking and heart-breaking, these tales of women on the edge by the legendary wit Dorothy Parker show the darkness beneath the surface of the Jazz Age." (back cover) As far as I recall on reading some novels famously-written and highly-acclaimed in the Jazz Age, I read only two, that is, The Great Gatsby (1925) and Tender Is the Night (1934) by F. Scott Fitzgerald, probably due to my lack of proper interest in the Age and its music.
Surprisingly, I found I could enjoy reading not only her innovative and realistic plots but also her wit in terms of humor, irony, satire, etc. ; therefore, while reading her texts, I couldn't help admiring her as one the legendary authors whose writing keeps me literally alert, fulfilled and relished. For instance:
In the afternoons, Mrs Lanier wore black, thin and fragrant, with the great pearls weeping on her breast. (p. 2)
Wedded and relaxed, she poured her tears freely. To her who had laughed so much, crying was delicious. (p. 16)
The coffee was all she had until she went out to dinner, but alcohol kept her fat. . . . She was never noticeably drunk and seldom nearly sober. It required a larger daily allowance to keep her misty-minded. Too little, and she were achingly melancholy. (pp. 27-28)
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February 3, 2022
I feel like the first titular short story was the best. The writing style was lovely and whimsical and reminded me of Fitzgeralds writing. The other two shorts were only so-so. The writing style was less to my taste and I didn’t really “get” the short stories. I suppose that’s partially my problem, as short stories never really bode well with me, but I can’t help but feel that they just didn’t really have direction or statement. There was a lot missing from them that I can’t really put my finger on.
December 2, 2018
I was drawn and could relate to the emotions and mindset of the character in the second short story...
February 10, 2021
3.5 Stars
Full review to come!
Full review to come!
December 29, 2022
This book consists of a collection of short stories that comment on alcoholism, marriage beneath the surface of the jazz age and undiagnosed depression. The second story “Big Blonde” stuck out to me the most, and i found it very captivating and interesting to read. It was full of emotion and it felt real. I loved reading this, i would definitely recommend
December 5, 2023
This had two stories, the always classic Custard Heart and the jaw dropping the Big Blonde. It took me back to an era and time I had no way of connecting with. I have never read Dorthy Parker before and was glad I did.
I recommend for those fifth (sixth) wavers that need a little reminder of what other generations pulled us through. To tear down the enemy, one must know the enemy.
I recommend for those fifth (sixth) wavers that need a little reminder of what other generations pulled us through. To tear down the enemy, one must know the enemy.
April 14, 2018
This is another of the Penguin Mini Modern Classics that I’ve been working through. Three cracking short stories that touch on boozing, mistakes and regret. It’s piqued my interest and left me wanting more from Dorothy Parker.
January 26, 2020
Tres cuentos breves que me han hecho dignamente el apaño en un vuelo Estocolmo-Málaga al verme con la lectura que traía de casa acabada. Bien por las librerías anglosajonas fuera de su territorio, que en sueco poco me habría solucionado.
January 28, 2023
A great collection of three little stories that encapsulate the dark undercurrents of metropolitan life in the United States in the 1920s. The exploration of alcoholism in spite of prohibition, the dangers of excess, and the impact of women both finding new independence yet still being constrained by traditional structures was well-executed and very enjoyable.
February 13, 2023
Blasted the title story while time wasting in a high street so felt empowered sticking it to big book (the Wells Waterstones branch).
Was good as far as I could determine in the time frame. Something about women?
Was good as far as I could determine in the time frame. Something about women?
January 29, 2025
4.5
Once again, I was reminded why I enjoy literature so much.
Once again, I was reminded why I enjoy literature so much.
December 29, 2024
There are three Parker stories here, but it is really about the middle one, 'Big Blonde', which dominates in all sort of ways. It is a sad tale of a decent in to failed marriage, failed affairs, failed friendship, and - finally - alcoholism. Not too many witty Parkerisms floating around here - one wonders whether there was something or Parker herself in this story.
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