Can't and Won't by Lydia Davis

Can't and Won't

Lydia Davis

Though short, the stories in this collection have an immediate impact on the reader - initial words form a springboard to an unexpected and often bemusing situation. Perfect for dipping in and out of, reading aloud, or lingering over with a cup of tea and a biscuit.

Extract
The Dog is gone. We miss him. When the doorbell rings, no one barks. When we come home late, there is no one waiting for us. We still find his white hairs here and there around the house and on our clothes. We pick them up. We should throw them away. But they are all we have left of him. We don't throw them away. We have a wild hope - if only we collect enough of them, we will be able to put the dog back together again.
Parallels
  • The Listener by Tove Jansson
  • ScrewtopThompson by Magnus Mills