THE DEAD
Everyone has heard of James Joyce (1882 - 1941), best known for his book "Ulysses". He also wrote short stories, and "The Dead" is one of the finest ever written.
The story is actually long for a "short" designation but well short of a novel. It describes the social interactions at an annual Christmas dance party at the main character's aunts' residence. Much of the book sets the scene. Readers come to know the characters intimately. It is only at the end that the true purpose of the story becomes known. In a tense build-up, we get to learn that the dead are still with us, in our actions, our feelings and our thoughts, and that they affect our relationships, even intruding into our most intimate moments.
This story gives us insights not only into others but into ourselves. This is literature for those who want to understand people and themselves, not just be entertainment.
