Love by Grace Paley

Kale is just spinach that went to grad school and won't stop talking about it.

Being unfamiliar with Grace Paley, her short-story Love turned out to be a pleasant surprise. It sort of reminded me of Lucia Berlin's writing. It's incredibly short (which is most appreciated) and the economical language conveys a sense of immediacy. Moreover, the miniamlist style and evocative prose is conducive to the narrator's internal monologue, revealing the inner contradictions and anxieties about her marriage. 

The couple are both poets and find themselves reminiscing about past relationships. Narrated from the wife’s perspective, the conversation takes an odd turn when her husband mentions an old flame, Dotty Wasserman. But here’s the catch: Dotty might not even be real. While the husband isn’t entirely sure, the wife is convinced he’s made her up. This isn’t a case of memory loss or dementia—just the natural way time plays tricks on the mind, reshaping memories through nostalgia, sentimentality, or even sheer invention.

At its heart, the story explores how love changes over time. The couple’s witty banter highlights how relationships evolve, how affection can wane or shift, and how long-term partners sometimes struggle to reconnect amid the weight of routine, boredom and suburban ennui. Yet, the story never feels heavy. Paley’s terse prose and wit keeps the tone breezy, filled with sharp dialogue and humorous observations.

Oh, there’s also a poem about kale. Why? Because she is struck by poetic inspiration while shopping in the produce section. turning the mundane into something meaningful. The narrator’s ability to find poetry in a bundle of kale speaks to the way love, memory, and everyday life are intertwined. It’s not just about the leafy green itself, but about how small, seemingly insignificant details can trigger deep emotions and philosophical reflections. Similar to Lucia Berlin, Paley's blend of humor, sentimentality, and introspection makes the story emotionally resonant.