pulpfan (pulpfan) wrote,
pulpfan
pulpfan

Isaac Bashevis Singer: "Apudzhas Came to Say Goodbye"

https://www.heyalma.com/apudzhas-came-to-say-goodbye-a-short-story-by-isaac-bashevis-singer/

Is this Pulp?

Yeah ..... I might have to justify this one, in a blog titled "Pulpfan", but ....

Although Isaac Bashevis Singer is usually esteemed as an author of "li-ter-a-chur", this story exemplifies a number of the virtues of pulp fiction:


  • A simple and direct writing style.

  • A straightforward, chronological plotline, leading up to a pleasing and satifying climax and resolution.

  • Archetypal, if not stereotypical characters.

  • And ... yes ... an appeal to sentiment, particularly towards the end

I had downloaded it, on a whim, to my ebook reader, and read it whilst taking a walk, having pulled it up by mistake.  I planned to just read a screen or two to get the gist, and then return to the article I had originally intended to read .... and read it straight through to the end.

Bias?

Perhaps! The protagonist is a young woman who devotes her life to caring for animals, and I have had beloved pets I've cared for most of my life.  I can understand such a dedication.

Also, she is content to live a very simple lifestyle in order to devote herself to her mission (as I do, myself, to devote myself avocation.  Again, I can relate).

Recommended?

Decidedly!:  Particularly if you love animals, have an avocation to which you have devoted your life, and/or are just fond of Jewish literature and culture.

Tags: animals, folklore, isaac bashevis singer, jewish literature
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