Only the Little Bone

by David Huddle

Set in rural Virginia in the 1950s, this collection of six stories and a novella focuses on the life of Reed Bryant through various stages of bewilderment and resolve from early childhood to middle age and his relationships with family members.

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction

Paperback

First published January 1, 1986

About the author

David Huddle (Born 11 July 1942) is an American multi-genre writer. His poems, essays, and short stories have appeared in Esquire, Harper's Magazine, The New York Times Magazine, Story, The Autumn House Anthology of Poetry, and The Best American Short Stories. His work has also been included in anthologies of writing about the Vietnam War.

Reviews

[Molly]

I know it is silly to put my own father's book on my list, but it is getting rereleased in paperback this year. It is a beautiful book of short stories about family and growing up. It is great book to teach to high school students, especially if you are encouraging them to "write what they know" or "show don't tell."

[Sam Smith]

Nostalgic.

Etymology of "nostalgia"

From New Latin nostalgia, coined from Ancient Greek νόστος (nóstos, “returning home”) + ἄλγος (álgos, “pain”).

[Pete Andwood]

Not my cup of tea but well enough done to finish. Certainly interesting the differences between the time of its publication and the present day. Lot like Sherwood Andersen, less biting.

[David]

This is some vivid, clean writing. No excess, no melodrama, yet no overt attempt at deliberately being minimalistic. What's needed is just there and the lines cone across plain and moving. I enjoyed reading.

[Nora]

Underrated classic!

[David Christie]

good bones but perhaps a little cluttered.