Night Train

A. L. Snijders' miniature stories, translated by Lydia Davis, explore themes such as lost shoes, visits with bats, travel fears, and dreams. Davis' introduction highlights her fascination with translating from a relatively new language, praising Snijders' straightforward approach to storytelling and modesty. The stories, like daybook entries, are autobiographical mini-fables that inhabit the borderland between fiction and reality.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 128 pages
\n Publication date: 02 November 2021
\n Publisher: New Directions Publishing Corporation
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A. L. Snijders' Miniature Stories:

A. L. Snijders' miniature stories, gorgeously translated by Lydia Davis, delve into a range of intriguing themes. These concise and vibrant narratives revolve around seemingly mundane objects like a lost shoe, a visit with a bat, fears of travel, and a dream of a man who has lost a glass eye. Despite their diverse subjects, these stories share a common thread: their concision and vivacity.

Lydia Davis, in her introduction, explores her fascination with the joys and complexities of translating from a language relatively new to her. She also praises Snijders' "straightforward approach to storytelling, his modesty, and his thoughtfulness."

The selected stories gathered in this collection represent a diverse range of emotions and experiences. They are reminiscent of daybook entries, novels-in-brief, philosophical meditations, or events recreated from life. However, because they inhabit the borderland between fiction and reality, they can best be described as autobiographical mini-fables.

This morning, at 11:30, in the full sun, I ventured into the hayloft, a place I hadn't visited in years. I climbed over boxes and shelving, and opened the door. To my surprise, a frightened owl flew straight at me, making no sound except for the gentle rustling of its feathers. I couldn't help but feel a sense of fear as I gazed into the owl's eyes, for it was a large owl, and I had always believed that owls were nocturnal creatures. What the owl was thinking about me, I couldn't know.

In these miniature stories, A. L. Snijders explores the human condition with a keen eye for detail and a sense of humor. His characters are relatable and often quirky, and their experiences resonate with readers on a personal level. Through his concise and lively prose, Snijders invites us to reflect on the complexities of life, the nature of fear, and the importance of connections between people.

Lydia Davis' masterful translation brings Snijders' stories to life in English, capturing the essence of his writing and preserving the vibrant spirit of his original Dutch. Her introduction provides valuable insights into the translation process, highlighting the challenges and rewards of bringing foreign literature to a new audience.

In conclusion, A. L. Snijders' miniature stories, translated by Lydia Davis, offer a delightful and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience. Through their concise and lively narratives, these stories unite us in their exploration of the everyday and the extraordinary. Davis' introduction and translation showcase Snijders' talent as a storyteller and his ability to capture the essence of life in words. Whether you are a fan of short fiction or simply seeking a captivating and meaningful reading experience, these stories are sure to delight and inspire.

\n Weight: 170g\n
Dimension: 132 x 203 x 12 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780811228565\n \n