Sometimes the action is galvanic, an explosive moment that puts the reader in mind of Flannery O’Connor’s ability to open out a story into dangerous, unknown territory. And, like O’Connor, Bausch is able to pull a story back from melodrama, no matter how sudden or dramatic the turn of events ... Bausch routinely takes us out to the end of the narrative pier and asks us to jump. Infidelity, as a literary theme, interests me less at face value than just about anything I can think of. But in three of these stories, Bausch uses it to excavate a surprising sense of drama and revelation ... After nearly 40 years of his distinctive, sometimes electrifying fiction, it’s fair to say that Bausch has stayed open for business through all kinds of circumstances and conditions, that he’s been able to keep the lights on and burning bright.
Resonant and entertaining ... Bausch's stories portray marriage, love and infidelity with the same insight, empathy and wit that he has for the lives of servicemen ... Bausch deftly imbues his characters with enough depth to make a commonplace story something unique and emotionally thrilling ... His writing is uncluttered, and every word feels perfect. The stories here aren't just entertaining; they demonstrate just how exciting and resonant realistic short fiction can be.
...another fine collection of stories – surprising, diverting, and endearing ... Every one of these stories is a treasure ... Read Living in the Weather of the World and see if it doesn’t give you some new ideas of how to deal with misery and love.
