Cathedral by Raymond Carver

Continuing my journey through the short stories of Raymond Carver this collection would win my vote for the best of them.

Carver's characters continue to introduce us to flawed characters, characters who steal and cheat, drink to excess, and who find themselves disillusioned and challenged beyond their means.

The beginning story Feathers features two couples having a dinner party. Strange story points such as a mold of crooked teeth, the world's ugliest baby, and a peacock with the run of the house. Carver write with vigor and vulgarity too, certainly one of the more modern writers in that regard but this story was strong.

In Chefs House a separated couple has a rebirth in their relationship when the man is fortunate enough to rent a small ocean side cabin. He quits drinking, and their days together are simple and happy. Their hope for the future is bright but it all fades when the Chef advises that his daughter will need to rent the house. With this news reality sets in and the husband reaches for a drink.

A Small Good Thing is another take on the story The Bath in a previous effort. Unlike the first version this story expands and has the parents of the injured boy confronting the baker of the birthday cake. This ending is far superior to the other and is quite moving.

Careful becomes the only story I have ever seen centered on Earwax while Where I'm Calling From is another strong story centered on two men who form a friendship while they are in an alcohol rehabilitation facility.

Fever is the story of how a man, abandoned by his wife with his two kids comes to grips with taking care of his life. The Bridle tells the story of a farming couple from Minnesota who after losing their farm end up landing at a hotel in Arizona. How their presence ripples those staying at the hotel makes for an interesting story.

The last story is the title story. In Cathedral a man suffers a visit that his wife has engineered with a former employer of hers, a blind man. Uncomfortable at the prospect of a blind man in his house , his attitude changes when, like it seems all Carver characters they over-imbibe in alcohol.

Seriously Carver's characters need to go on a serious wagon.

The stories in this collection were all of a better level than some of his others though the number of standout stories were smaller. Consistently good rather than excellent and mediocre. One has to decide from themselves which they prefer.