Some of Us Had Been Threatening Our Friend Colby by Donald Barthelme

Hang em' high.

Donald Barthelme's "The School" is a classic short-story and my favorite of his thus far, but "Some of Us Had Been Threatening Our Friend Colby" is a close runner up. Or maybe it is my new favorite? I'm not sure yet. Regardless, this is an amazing short-story and worthy of the highest praise. Surrealism, absurdity and acerbic wit all wrapped up in a dark satire, this work is quintessential Donald Barthelme. 

The presence of anachronisms adds an intriguing layer of comedy, blurring temporal lines. It could be set in the untamed landscapes of the Wild West or possibly amidst the backdrop of contemporary times. Moreover, the meticulous craftsmanship of the narrative is remarkable. Each word and every sentence flows seamlessly with a purpose, while leaving no room for extraneous details. For anyone interested in the art of the short-story, look no further. 

So, what exactly did Colby do to betray his close friends that would make them want to turn on him? We never find out the exact reason but this leaves room for Bartheleme's satirical humor to shine. It is the ludicrous and convoluted procedures of bureaucracy that is attacked here, with particular emphasis on the nonsensical, inefficient and constant delays when it comes to decision making. While this could narrative technique could easily have become a gimmick, the author cleverly avoids such amateur pratfalls. Instead, the caustic social commentary is sharp and hilarious, skillfully driving the narrative towards its heartfelt conclusion. 

"Some of Us Had Been Threatening Our Friend Colby" stands out as one of the finest short stories I've had the pleasure of reading this year, earning it an esteemed place in my personal hall of fame.

You can read this story HERE