As usual, Russell Banks shows his genius in the structuring of this story. Two things I've heard him say is (1) the first two paragraphs of the short story are the most important, and (2) the last sentence of the story must recall the first. "Lost and Found" exemplifies these two rules. He steps into the lives of his characters with complete confidence, and the underlying theme of regret is sympathetically handled. This is a thoughtful piece. I hope to have the opportunity to discuss it with him this summer in Saratoga Springs.
M. Grace Matthews replied on Mon, 01/28/2013 - 08:59am
As usual, Russell Banks shows his genius in the structuring of this story. Two things I've heard him say is (1) the first two paragraphs of the short story are the most important, and (2) the last sentence of the story must recall the first. "Lost and Found" exemplifies these two rules. He steps into the lives of his characters with complete confidence, and the underlying theme of regret is sympathetically handled. This is a thoughtful piece. I hope to have the opportunity to discuss it with him this summer in Saratoga Springs.