Love

The collection explores romantic connections as being inherently complicated and multifaceted, with committed romantic relationships requiring sensitivity to the vicissitudes in interpersonal dynamics. For example, Elijah and Susan’s relationship is featured in multiple stories, and the narratives consistently portray this relationship as fundamentally stable, but consistently beset by potential flaws and tensions. For example, when Elijah and Susan begin dating, the narration states, “He didn’t warm up to her convincingly—not as she really hoped he would—for a month” (7). Later in this same story (“Bravery”), the narrative features moments of tension and uncertainty in the early months of their marriage. The story “Gluttony” takes place about 18 years later, and their marriage is still defined by mutual devotion undercut by potential underlying tensions. Thus, the collection demonstrates how even stable, long-term romances can be affected by adversity.

The romantic life of Benny Takemitsu offers...