💗 Frau Selma Schumann is an opera singer. She had zealously worked hard her entire life to achieve the present level. Not that she minds it, as hard working is a spirit she inherited from her father. But at forty two years old, she begins to have a little regret for never having tasted the sweet taste of romance.
💗 The story begins on a rainy night when she is about to leave Metropolitan Opera House after finishing her performance. Struggling to replace her wind-swept mantilla, she dropped her jewels bag. A handsome Latin man with black hair, mustache, and a red carnation in his buttonhole, sprightly lept to snatch it, and returned it to the owner with a bow.
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| "The New Yorker" by Constantin Alajalov, 1937 |
💗 Naturally Madame believes the signorino is attracted to her. But why does he never say anything, nor attempt to communicate with her? She has even manoeuvred some incidents to let him take the first move. But nothing happens. Meanwhile, Madame decided to look after her appearance more carefully, and stop drinking champagne. Still, nothing happens. When she finally hears signorino's voice, things turned out very unexpectedly, and so she turns back to champagne again.
💗 Overall, it is a sweet, but melancholy story; a little humorous but ironic. It reminds me of Song of the Lark - the same hardworking women, sacrificing their private lives to be successful opera singers. And what then? They might or might not be successful, but in the end, is it all worth it?
💗 I quite love this story, although it's not the usual Cather's quality writing I always expect of her, it's sweet, simple, and entertaining.
Rating: 4 / 5
I don't think I've ever read any of Cather's short stories. This one sounds good.
ReplyDeleteNor have I. This is only my 2nd. Not extraordinary, but enjoyable.
DeleteI read "Paul's Case" years ago and remember enjoying it for the psychological depth. You have convinced me that I need to read more works by Willa Cather! Even though I already have several short-story reading challenges on-the-go, this reading challenge is far too tempting to pass up! :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you're joining this project, Jason! It has been going on for several years now; I rather kick myself for not joining earlier! But I think after this is over, I'd like to start from the beginning on my own.
DeleteI'd love to see those short story reading challenges you're doing, I started to appreciate them more these days.