Close Modal

Whites

Look inside
Paperback
$14.00 US
5.13"W x 8"H x 0.43"D   | 5 oz | 24 per carton
On sale Sep 01, 1992 | 160 Pages | 9780679738169
Whether they are Americans, Brits, or a stubborn and suicidally moral Dutchman, Norman Rush’s whites are not sure why they are in Botswana. Their uncertainty makes them do odd things. Driven half-mad by the barking of his neighbor’s dogs, Carl dips timidly into native witchcraft—only to jump back out at the worst possible moment. Ione briskly pursues a career as a “seducer” (“A seductress was merely someone who was seductive and who might or might not be awarded a victory. But a seducer was a professional”), while her dentist husband fends off the generous advances of an African cook. Funny, sad, and deeply knowing, polished throughout to a diamond glitter, Whites is a magnificent collection of stories.
© Michael Lionstar
Norman Rush is the author of four works of fiction: Whites, a collection of stories, and three novels, Subtle Bodies, Mating, and Mortals. His stories have appeared in The New YorkerThe Paris Review, and Best American Short StoriesMating was the recipient of the National Book Award. Rush and his wife live in Rockland County, New York. View titles by Norman Rush
Bruns 
Near Pala 
Thieving 
Instruments of Seduction
Official Americans 
Alone in Africa

About

Whether they are Americans, Brits, or a stubborn and suicidally moral Dutchman, Norman Rush’s whites are not sure why they are in Botswana. Their uncertainty makes them do odd things. Driven half-mad by the barking of his neighbor’s dogs, Carl dips timidly into native witchcraft—only to jump back out at the worst possible moment. Ione briskly pursues a career as a “seducer” (“A seductress was merely someone who was seductive and who might or might not be awarded a victory. But a seducer was a professional”), while her dentist husband fends off the generous advances of an African cook. Funny, sad, and deeply knowing, polished throughout to a diamond glitter, Whites is a magnificent collection of stories.

Author

© Michael Lionstar
Norman Rush is the author of four works of fiction: Whites, a collection of stories, and three novels, Subtle Bodies, Mating, and Mortals. His stories have appeared in The New YorkerThe Paris Review, and Best American Short StoriesMating was the recipient of the National Book Award. Rush and his wife live in Rockland County, New York. View titles by Norman Rush

Table of Contents

Bruns 
Near Pala 
Thieving 
Instruments of Seduction
Official Americans 
Alone in Africa