"Ah, she thought, whatever I am today, if a bit of my youth lives on in this man's memory, I haven't lived in vain."
This short story is so well executed. Each sentence carries such import and feeling. I just loved it. This Faber Stories series consists of extremely thin little publications that include one short story from a famous author. I happen to enjoy the sensual depictions of Kundera and this so beautifully encapsulates the memory of a perfect fling from days gone by. The will is still there to relight the flame and yet the impact of age is a massive deterrent.
A man in his mid thirties revisits the older woman with whom he once shared a dalliance. He regrets his youthful timidity and has searched in vain to replace the memory of their encounter. The woman, now in her fifties and a widow has little clue as to the depth of feeling of her former lover and recalls fondly their tryst as a distant memory of when she was at her prime.
What is particularly well evoked is the way memories are so skewed. Years later one person may dwell on the minutiae of a romantic encounter, while another may think on it with a vague sense of contentment at their conquest.
Honestly, if I write any more about this story, this review might be longer than it and perhaps that is its strength. So much observation and feeling is packed neatly in such a slim package. It speaks to ageing and the often rose coloured view of the past that can sometimes break through into the present. Sometimes I think past loves retain their glow because in your memory they will always be the age they were when with you and that version will never degrade.
5 out of 5 - sometimes the past is perfection and best left there or sometimes its a lifeline for today. Community service announcement though - best not to call any toxic exes during a pandemic.
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