[RE–READ September 16, 2008] “The Case of the Severed Hand”
One shouldn’t be afraid of criticism. Heck, if you’re going to have an opinion you have to expect people will argue with you. I didn’t like this story when I read it. But, when Daniel commented, even though the criticism was basically, “I liked the story and you’re a stupid doodyhead” I figured that maybe I missed something. I searched for the story again, and while browsing, I learned that The L Magazine (which I’ve never heard of) had its Best of New York City Awards and “The Case of the Severed Hand” was voted 1 of 5 BEST SHORT STORIES PUBLISHED BY NYC PUBLICATIONS, although no explanation or review of the story was given. I’ve also learned that Coover is a highly regarded author and is known primarily for his metafiction. I had reviewed and enjoyed Stepmother a few months ago.
So, I have now re-read the short story to see if I had indeed missed something. And, again, I believe I did not. The first part plays as a tongue in cheek noir and is rather funny. The end plays as straight private eye stuff and is also rather funny. And the middle piece was a funny little piece about incest! I had said that I don’t know the detective genre very well, so aside from the obvious parody aspects of it–or maybe not even parody, maybe just playing withe the genre–I’m not sure how much I’m missing (that a fan of the genre would get).
The thing for me is that the parts don’t work together. Whatever he was trying to get across between these sections of story was just lost. And, to be blunt, I just didn’t like it. If I enjoyed the world of private I’s more, I might have a better appreciation for what Coover is doing, but as it stands, I just don’t like it.
If you think the story works, however, please jot me a line and let me know how. I’d be very curious to know.
I Just Read About That... 