“After the Race” by James Joyce
I have never read anything by Joyce that I remember. It seems unlikely that I didn’t read at least an excerpt from something when I was in college, but if I did it didn’t stick with me.
“After the Race” is from Dubliners, first published in 1914. The story begins with a car race through Dublin and tells the story of Jimmy Doyle, a young Irishman who is riding with a Frenchman, Segouin, the rich owner of the car who is starting motor business. Jimmy is the son of a wealthy merchant, well-educated and well-provided for. He is aware of how much work it was for his father to attain his success and considers his investment with Segouin to be serious, although it did meet with his father’s approval.
Jimmy and his father want to associate with the higher social classes and Jimmy, after the race, joins the Frenchman and several friends for dinner. It’s a delight, then the party moves on to a yacht. At this point, things begin to go downhill for Jimmy. He drinks too much and loses too much money at a poker game.
Play ran very high and paper began to pass. Jimmy did not know exactly who was winning but he knew that he was losing. But it was his own fault for he frequently mistook his cards and the other men had to calculate his I.O.U.’s for him. They were devils of fellows but he wished they would stop: it was getting late.
It’s a sad story, really. Jimmy is so excited about the future and enjoying the company of his new friends. He sees prospects opening before him, but in the end, he’s drunk, broke, one of the “heaviest losers.”
I love how the conclusion. Jimmy is glad that it’s night, that he has a chance to rest before facing his mistakes, but at that moment one of the men throws open the door, letting the light in and announcing daybreak.
I definitely need to read more of Joyce’s writings. He’s considered one of the most influential writers of the 20th century, and I enjoyed this short example.
John hosts Short Story Monday at The Book Mine Set. Head over there to see what he and others have been reading.
The above is my honest opinion. I am an Amazon associate.
I’ve only read Portrait of the Artist by Joyce, but I think if I were to read anything else by him, it would be The Dubliners. The idea of short stories around the city dwellers sounds very appealing to me, and it sounds like you liked this one, which is nice to know!
*screams in my head*
I am sorry but I hate hate Joyce. The book I read was so boring. And I read it 3 times *shudders*
I’ve read Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man and its rough draft version, Stephen Hero- both which I liked although I admit I didn’t follow everything. I have Dubliners on my shelf but it’s always intimidated me rather. Ought to give it a try soon!
I read “The Sisters” for a SSM post last year. Dubliners seemed like a more accessible intro to Joyce, and I liked the story very much. Should pull the book down and read this one, too. I’ve never even attempted any of Joyce’s novels.
Here’s the post for The Sisters, if you’re interested:
http://lakesidemusing.blogspot.com/2009/09/sisters-by-james-joyce.html
I don’t think I’ve read any of his books but I’m aware of them. I’m glad this is good for you. 🙂
I have read a few books by Joyce and didn’t enjoy any of them. I just don’t like his writing stye. However, I must try some of his short stories.