Exploring the Fascinating Mundane in Lydia Davis' 'Our Strangers'
Lydia Davis's latest collection of short stories, "Our Strangers," captures the essence of everyday situations by stripping away context, resulting in charismatically strange narratives. While Davis's work typically maintains a sense of remoteness, this collection subtly incorporates present anxieties and critiques of contemporary culture. Through meticulous observation, Davis explores the idea of community and the connections formed through proximity. The stories range from off-kilter folk tales to poignant reflections on close relationships. Although some stories lose their tautness, Davis's keen eye for detail and grammatical constructions make even the most mundane aspects of life consistently interesting.