Tenth of December
Stories and Themes
"Victory Lap": The collection opens with this story, which revolves around a teenage girl named Alison and her neighbor, a troubled young man named Kyle. As Alison prepares for a life-changing moment, she faces an unexpected threat. The narrative explores themes of innocence, heroism, and the moral dilemmas that arise in moments of crisis.
"Sticks": This brief yet impactful tale focuses on a father and his peculiar ritual involving a stick he uses to discipline his children. The story is a poignant reflection on familial relationships, the complexities of parenting, and the longing for connection. It highlights how the father's obsession with the stick is a metaphor for his struggles with authority and affection.
"Puppy": In this story, two mothers navigate their contrasting parenting styles and values while considering the purchase of a puppy. The narrative juxtaposes the chaotic life of one mother with the seemingly perfect life of the other, raising questions about societal expectations, judgment, and the nature of love and care.
"The Semplica Girl Diaries": This story is told through the diary entries of a middle-class father struggling to provide for his family. It introduces the concept of "Semplica Girls," a dystopian idea where women are displayed as garden ornaments, raising ethical questions about commodification and the human condition. The father’s desire to impress his children leads him to make morally questionable decisions, reflecting on the absurdities of consumer culture.
"Exhortation": A narrative directed at a group of employees, this story blends motivational speaking with a sense of desperation. The speaker urges his audience to embrace positivity and productivity, highlighting the pressures of modern work life and the often hollow nature of corporate rhetoric. It serves as a critique of the ways in which individuals are incentivized to suppress their true feelings.
"The Bride": This story deals with themes of love and sacrifice through the lens of a bride-to-be. It explores the expectations and pressures surrounding marriage, revealing the inner conflicts and desires that shape the protagonist’s journey. The narrative challenges traditional notions of romantic fulfillment.
"The Making of the Making of the Film": This metafictional piece critiques the entertainment industry and the commodification of art. It presents a fictional film’s production process, illustrating the disconnect between artistic intention and commercial viability. This story underscores Saunders's ability to blend humor with a sharp critique of societal norms.
"Home": In this tender story, a soldier returns home after serving in a war. The narrative explores themes of alienation and the difficulty of reintegration into civilian life. It captures the emotional turmoil of adjusting to a world that feels foreign and distant, emphasizing the importance of human connection in the healing process.
"Tenth of December": The titular story serves as the emotional core of the collection. It follows a terminally ill man, who contemplates suicide on a cold winter day. His encounter with a young boy leads to a profound moment of connection, illustrating the beauty of empathy and the complexities of life. This narrative encapsulates the overarching themes of the collection, emphasizing the significance of compassion and understanding.
"My Chivalric Fiasco": This story presents a humorous yet poignant look at the concept of chivalry and masculinity through the eyes of a hapless protagonist. The narrative explores the absurdity of societal expectations while revealing the protagonist’s desire for honor and connection.