March 17, 2008
Books I Read and Loved: Raymond Carver, Cathedral
I was a freshman or sophomore at the University of Texas. Joseph Campbell said, “If you want to be a writer, be a writer”. In fourth grade I said, “I’m going to make a book!”
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Van Garrett lived in an apartment north of campus. I walked across the street and gave myself permission. I had been reading Beloved. Book of the month club.
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I was trying to think last night what to compare it to. I picked it up and read “Feathers”. U2 said he was a favorite author. It’s like when you place your hand against a rock the size of a house. Things are different after that. You want all of it.
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I don’t know that I would say it is his best. At this point, there are those who prefer Carver after Lish and those who prefer him with. I definitely place myself in the latter camp. Cathedral is a good book in, if that is what you intend to do. If you can see the gate there then the rest of it will begin to make sense to you.
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When Van died, after I collected myself, one of the first things I did was ask Laura to look for it. I was hoping it would be among his things. He also had a video of us pantsless, playing piano. We were hoping she would find that too. Sadly, she found neither.
I really wanted that book.
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I remember reading that story and thinking things had opened up. Things were different for me after that. It started a process that probably ended with Finnegans Wake. I’m looking forward to remembering it.
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9 Responses to “Books I Read and Loved: Raymond Carver, Cathedral”
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Lovely.
Yes, this is a beautiful start for your project of memory, Deron. It gets at your own personal history while also showing very clearly how books live in our lives, even as we sometimes believe we are running the whole show. I can’t wait to see all of this path. The poem of it. The broken hallelujah at the center of what makes all good things last.
Yes, a beautifully done reverie/memoir. Even an essay, in certain senses, on Cathedral itself.
That’s so nice.
What Cindy, Daryl, Cooper, and Amy said.
I first read Carver in college as well. Where I’m Calling From remains a favorite book of mine, and certainly the stories “Cathedral,” “What’s in Alaska?” and “A Small, Good Thing” are downright brilliant.
The broken hallelujah at the center of what makes all good things last.
I’m glad you all enjoyed it. I wasn’t sure if it would take a few before the way I was approaching it made sense. I’m not sure yet if I even know exactly how I am / will approach it.
Regardless, thank you for your comments.
Deron
A friend, an acquaintance for whom I once ascribed some inward connection, gave me a paperback of Cathedral. On the front page he wrote, “For Rick, because you understand.” (Some of this is recently resurrected by the recent article about Lish and Carver in the New Yorker.) Years hence, I still wonder what my friend thought I understood and what he was trying to say to me by that enscription. Twelve years have passed. I’ve heard nothing further from him.
I can’t wait to see what light you might bring to the question I pose: Do I understand? Might I when given proper light?
Rick, I know what I would mean by that and I know what I recognized in the story “Feathers” when I read it. As to what your friend meant — well, that is a different question. I would be happy to expand on my thoughts if you’re interested.