Wide Spot by Thomas McGuane, 2019
The magic trick:
Two interactions between the narrator and two people in a small town where he used to live
I really like this story a lot.
I don’t care much for the narrator. Not because I dislike the character. I just don’t really believe in him. He’s a small-time politician, who seems so without substance (and staff, aides, assistants?) that it’s just a little much to buy into.
But remember my first sentence: I do really like this story.
I think it’s the two interactions the narrator has in the small town. They’re just excellent bits of writing. They are funny, wistful and full of history unwritten, left for the reader to imagine.
And that’s quite a trick on McGuane’s part.
The selection:
“Cornel,” I said, after introducing myself, “I’m making my way around the state visiting all the good folks”—when you campaign in Montana, it’s “folks,” not “people” or “persons,” folks, folks, folks, and more folks—“all the good folks who supported me the last time, hoping that what I’ve accomplished will have them on board for the next cycle.”
“I didn’t support you.”
“Do what?”
“Nor would I.”
As always, join the conversation in the comments section below, on SSMT Facebook or on Twitter @ShortStoryMT.
Subscribe to the Short Story Magic Tricks Monthly Newsletter to get the latest short story news, contests and fun.
Short Story Magic Tricks 