The State We’re In by Ann Beattie is a collection of short stories that is definitely recommended to readers who appreciate this author’s famous unemotional, minimalistic style of writing. As usual, Ann Beattie portrays characters who struggle to find their place in the society, suffer from misunderstanding, sink in the sea of self-doubt, and face mind-changing obstacles such as a life-threatening disease.
Some critics characterize this collection of stories as slippery and it is difficult to disagree with that. It seems that there is something that the author wants us – the readers – to understand, but it is not quite clear what it is. The State We’re In is an embodiment of ambiguity of a moment. Ann Beattie’s ability to evoke a variety of emotions, that wonderful contrast of beautiful Maine summer and people’s distress, and melancholia are the main constituents of The State We’re In’s charm.
Of course, it is can be just a subjective opinion, but Jocelyn’s story sticks out as the main one. What can be more dramatic than young girl’s suffering over lack of parental support, loss of potential love, an impressive amount of essay-related problems, and an insufferable aunt? Of course, it is just a joke. The world is full of more terrible things. However, Jocelyn’s storyline is truly the leading one. As it has been already mentioned, this summer vacation is not the best one that Jocelyn has ever had. She represents all those teenagers who undergo a difficult process of maturing. In other words, she tests the waters of adulthood. In the very beginning, the only one thing she does is criticizing. The girl considers almost every member of her family as a pathetic human being. It seems to her that she knows more about this life than the rest of the world. These illusions are destroyed by merciless reality. Jocelyn accepts the inevitability of growing up, stops considering her point of view as the only right one.
Nature plays as important role as any other character in this collection of short stories. One can even assume that the author’s mentioning of magical realism in the first story is a key to understanding of the collection. Cliffs, the ocean, beaches, storms, and impassivity of nature is a perfect background for emotional suffering. Out of sudden, it starts looking like woods, waters, and meadows are alive, that they are our silent judges.
The State We’re In by Ann Beattie is, in these respects, a must-read. Those readers, who are familiar with her previous works, will surely love this one too, for it is a real proof that the author’s writing skills have become even better. If you have never read Ann Beattie’s stories before, choose The State We’re In too, for this work is the strongest one. The characters have become more complicated and – as the result – their feelings and emotions have become deeper too. In any case, there is no doubt that you will definitely love that summertime sadness. Ann Beattie’s The State We’re In is going to be a perfect company for a pleasurable summer evening.
