Chroma Stories

Chroma Stories by Frederick Barthelme, published by Penguin Books in 1988, presents a collection of fifteen short stories that delve into the intricacies of human relationships. Written in English and spanning 173 pages, this edition showcases Barthelme’s distinctive style, characterized by elegant prose and finely crafted dialogue. The stories explore themes of love, loss, and the peculiarities of everyday life, featuring characters who navigate their emotional landscapes with a sense of curiosity and care.

Readers will find a diverse array of narratives where wives give away husbands, lovers part ways, and men engage in unexpected acts, such as stealing stray dogs. Through these poignant tales, Barthelme captures the essence of ordinary people facing gently painful experiences. Chroma Stories invites readers to reflect on the complexities of life and relationships, all while maintaining a tone that is both odd and elegant. This collection is a testament to Barthelme’s skill in portraying the subtleties of human emotion within the framework of fiction.