Here are reviews of the short stories. There almost always is a moral in the story; the message the author wants to impart. The short stories in the book are arranged in chronological order, from her first story which she wrote, right up to her last story. As we read through the thick volume, we follow Lispector’s writing style and plots, They have evolved and changed over time. Many stories are about relationships and dysfunctional relationships.

Towards the end of Complete Stories, Lispector’s writing evolved to become more psychologically complex, with characters more fleshed out. Practice is the key to self-improvement. This is shown to readers.

The Triumph

The Triumph is a short story by Clarice Lispector. A woman is left alone when her man departs from her, claiming she suffocated his creativity. She was too emotionally hurt for words while he raged with his selfishness. It took her a short while to realize that he would return, just like he always did. She only had to wait.

This story resonates with me.

Obsession

Cristina, a married woman, was sent away to live in a boardinghouse, to recuperate from typhoid fever. She was lonely and developed an obsession for another boarder, Daniel, because he was different from her husband Jamie.

After Cristina left to return home, she was dissatisfied with Jamie as she was influenced by Daniel. She decided to leave Jamie, to return to Daniel. She lived with him for two years, until one day, events happened which made her realize that Daniel was not infallible and needed her to attend to his primary needs like meals.

Cristina woke up from her stupor. She realized she was like a servant to Daniel and she broke free from his influence. She decided to leave Daniel, to return to Jamie, who receives her without asking her awkward questions. At the end, Cristina acknowledges she will be alone.

I think the moral of the story is that we are alone. The soul thirsts for God and no other human can quench this thirst.

Jimmy and I

Jimmy, a young man with pale complexion, is infatuated with the female protagonist in this short story. However, she is attracted to another man with dark skin. Jimmy does not take rejection well. The protagonist’s Grandma explains that was because “men are a bunch of animals”.

Time after time, media tells us of men who are unable to swallow their pride and get lost. They lose their lives by disproportionate acts. No woman nor man is worth losing your life for. There are so many fish in the sea.

is a short story by Clarice Lispector. As usual, she has embedded a lesson in this story. She wanted readers to know her opinions on strong headed men, their pride and desire for dominance over their friend and girlfriend. No other man should matter to their woman, except them.

When Jimmy faced another man who competed for his girl’s attention and affection, he became angry, jealous and vindictive.

The narrator tried to reason with Jimmy why she became attracted to her examiner, but he refused to accept her half-witted apology.

An elderly woman reminded her that

“My dear, men are a bunch of animals” (Lispector, p. 56)

She means that she thinks men behave according to their genetic makeup, physiological traits and hormones.

Interrupted Story

The female protagonist is in love with a tall, dark, handsome man, who most unfortunately, has depression. She brainstorms for a solution to help him out of his situation. She is too late. He took his own life before she could talk to him again.

I think the message in this short story is that you can’t really help someone unless they are ready to be helped. That man had his own ideas and stubbornly kept to them.

*

The Imitation of the Rose

Laura bought some wild roses at the farmer’s market and arranges the bouquet of roses in a vase in her home. She is uncomfortable as she things the roses to be too beautiful for her. She instructs her maid to take the bouquet of roses to her friend Carlota’s. Her excuse is that she would be there in Carlota’s house, in the night, for dinner anyway.

Readers, have you ever felt something was too beautiful for you and you wanted to share it with someone else? The author has picked up a familiar theme – of how nature can be so beautiful that you feel uncomfortable with it.

*

Happy Birthday

The matriarch of the family is 89 years old. Her children and grandchildren have gathered together to celebrate her birthday. There is stress and tension in the air. Some relatives don’t get along with other relatives. Many are pretending they’re enjoying this birthday party.

No matter who you are, or where you come from, you’ll relate to this story on. family politics and the dynamics.

*

Monkeys

*

When the narrator had a big monkey, she couldn’t keep up with its antics. Then the narrator bought a small monkey. Lisette was sickly and needed oxygen. She didn’t make it.

*

This book is fantastic for readers who love short stories. Lispector wrote each story with a message (or moral lesson if you interpret it that way).

This is my book, which I have opened up to show its front and back cover.

Someone in my family has also read Complete Stories. These are her favorite short stories:

Interrupted Story –

Monkeys –

The Egg and the Chicken

The Imitation Of The Rose –

Happy Birthday –

I’ve written their reviews above.