Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters and Seymor: an Introduction - JD Salinger

I was nearly finished with these two novellas before I realized that they were fiction - had it not been for a small disclaimer on the copyright page, I would have gone on believing it all to be fact. While fact or fiction makes little difference, my belief is testament to Salinger's uncanny ability to create true characters - his love and understanding of his subjects is present in every word and phrase. That said, these two pieces are essentially character sketches (or detailed compositions) rather than plot-driven stories. Differing greatly in style, both focus on Seymour, one of Salinger's most intriguing characters - an enigmatic, brilliant, rude, doomed young man, and member of the Glass family, which appears in many of the author's published works (which are few).

WORTH READING
3.5 out of 5
Buy this book: Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters and Seymour: An Introduction