In the Cemetery Where Al Jolson is Buried by Amy Hempel

Al Jolson in blackface, starring in the Jazz Singer.

I first read this story a few years back and thought it was pretty good, if not a little overhyped. After revisiting it again recently, I have completely changed my tune, much like Al Jolson in the Jazz Singer! This time around, something just "clicked" for me and I was able to full appreciate the author's literary talents. Moreover, the narrative resonated with me more deeply, firmly establishing Amy Hempel as a master of the short-story. 

"In the Cemetery Where Al Jolson is Buried" stands on the precipice of literary perfection. 

Her minimalistic style is very reminiscent of other prevalent writers from the 1980's like Raymond Carver and personally, I can't get enough of it. The brevity of the writing is so sharp, raw and emotionally impactful. Despite the somber backdrop of the narrator's visit to a dying friend in a hospital, Hempel skillfully utilizes humor and clever banter to weave a narrative that is both poignant and profoundly moving. 

In the face of immense sorrow and grief, words often falter, leaving emotions intricate and elusive, concealed beneath a veneer of superficiality. The levity found in the humorous anecdotes and jokes exchanged between the two friends emerges as a courageous response to grapple with the overwhelming pain that defies easy expression. It is within this realm that Hempel's skill as a writer truly shines, transforming melancholy subject matter into an exploration of a friendship's depths and the transient nature of life.

"In the Cemetery Where Al Jolson is Buried" is a testament to the author's ability to navigate the delicate balance between sadness and ironic humor, creating a literary experience that transcends the boundaries of conventional storytelling. 

A remarkable literary achievement.