The Lady Who Sold Furniture

These tales reveal Metcalf’s concern with the shifting notions of identity as it is grasped by children, adolescents, and young men. Metcalf’s first book contains many of the widely anthologized stories which continue to draw readers to this poised and witty writer. Tales such as “Early Morning Rabbits,” “Keys and Watercress,” and the title novella reveal Metcalf’s concern with the shifting notion of identity as it is grasped by children, adolescents, and young men. This variety and reality is heightened by Metcalf’s deft handling of language and by the subtle texturing he imparts to every story in the collection.