Paradise

"No other word for it: a charming book." — Peter S. Prescott, Newsweek

Set in the 1980s, there's further tension between Simon's desire to exploit this stereotypical fantasy and his (as well as the author's) desire to treat the women as human beings, despite the women's claims that Simon can't distinguish between their personalities. Employing a variety of forms, Barthelme gracefully plays with this setup, creating a story that's not just funny - although it's definitely that - but actually quite melancholy, as Simon knows that the women's departure is inevitable, that this "paradise" will come to an end, and that he'll be left with only an empty house, booze, and regrets about chances not taken.

"More laid-back and world-weary wit as Barthelme looks once again at the empty-at-the-core spectacle of life as trendiness...."  -  Kirkus Reviews