Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage

by Alice Munro
Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage cover
Good Books rating 4.06
Short Story Collections
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  • ID: 618
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780375727436
  • Publisher: Vintage
  • Published: 2002-10-08
  • Formats: 27
  • Reviews: 4

Alice Munro's Hateship, Friendship, Courtship, Loveship, Marriage is a collection of nine short stories that delve into the intricate and often surprising nature of human connections. Each story is crafted with Munro's characteristic precision, revealing the hidden layers of her characters' lives and the unexpected turns their relationships take. The narratives loop and swerve like memory, capturing the essence of real life with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of human nature. /n/n Munro's stories are celebrated for their humane and observant portrayal of characters, making this collection a testament to her literary prowess. From a housekeeper's fate reversed by a practical joke to a woman reflecting on a past encounter, each tale offers a glimpse into the complexities of love, friendship, and the passage of time. The collection is a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award and has been recognized as one of The New York Times’ 100 Best Books of the 21st Century.

Reviews
Words Like Silver · 2024-11-23
melancholic 3.00

The characters in these stories struggle with connection and fixed perceptions of each other, which limits their relationships. The exploration of human nature is both poignant and somewhat bleak.

The reviewer notes that Munro's characters often give up on forming meaningful connections, preferring to hold onto fixed ideas about one another. This leads to a sense of isolation and unfulfilled potential in their relationships. The stories delve deeply into the complexities of human nature, offering a poignant yet somewhat bleak portrayal of life's challenges. The reviewer appreciates Munro's ability to capture these nuances but finds the overall tone quite melancholic.

Quick quotes

    Munro's characters just give up on connection entirely

    Their ideas of each other are fixed and unchanging

    The exploration of human nature is both poignant and bleak

Mookse and Gripes · 2019-05-31
brilliant 4.50

This story is brilliant and deserves high praise for its depth and emotional resonance. The reviewer is left with a jumble of thoughts but ultimately feels deeply moved.

The reviewer is incredibly impressed with this story, describing it as brilliant and worthy of high praise. They mention having a jumble of thoughts about it, which speaks to the story's complexity and depth. Despite the mixed emotions, the reviewer feels deeply moved by the narrative and its emotional resonance. The story's ability to evoke such a range of feelings is a testament to Munro's skill as a writer.

Quick quotes

    This story is brilliant

    I have a jumble of thoughts about it

    I cannot praise this story enough

Fictitious Erika · 2018-01-21
exceptional 4.75

This collection is a favorite, with each story feeling like a novel in its breadth and depth. Munro's storytelling expertise shines through in every piece.

The reviewer considers this collection one of their favorites, highlighting Munro's exceptional storytelling skills. Each story feels expansive and rich, akin to a novel in its breadth and depth. The reviewer appreciates the intricate details and the way Munro weaves together complex narratives. The collection is seen as a testament to Munro's mastery of the short story form, offering a rich and rewarding reading experience.

Quick quotes

    This collection may be my favorite that I've read of Munro's

    She's an expert storyteller

    Every story feels like a novel in its breadth

Goodreads · 2001-01-01
compelling 4.00

The book is described as utterly compelling with a satisfying ending. The reviewer is amazed they hadn't discovered Alice Munro earlier. The stories are praised for their depth and emotional resonance.

This collection is a standout for its emotional depth and compelling storytelling. The reviewer is particularly impressed with the satisfying ending, which leaves a lasting impact. They highlight how Munro's ability to capture complex emotions and relationships makes this book a must-read. The stories are not just engaging but also thought-provoking, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    It's an utterly compelling read and has one of the most satisfying endings I have ever encountered.

    All I can say is that I'm amazed I didn't get to Alice Munro earlier.

    The stories are praised for their depth and emotional resonance.

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