Thomas McGuane, author of 'Gallatin Canyon' and 'Cloudbursts,' reads 'Thataway.' The story follows two sisters dreaming of Palm Springs while dealing with financial constraints. It explores solitude, familial dynamics, emotional reservations, past relationships, and unresolved family tensions. McGuane's story delves into the complexities of family relationships and the struggles of confronting the past.
The story explores the complexities of family dynamics and the impact of years gone by.
It reflects on themes of closure, loss, and new beginnings in familial relationships.
Deep dives
The Legacy of Two Sisters
Two aging sisters, Mildred and Constants, living in a prairie town, long for a visit from their successful brother Cooper, who has distanced himself from his humble origins. Mildred passes away, leaving Constants to grapple with loneliness and memories of their shared past, highlighting the complexities of family dynamics and the impact of years gone by.
Cooper's Reluctance and Return
Cooper, a cowboy persona living in Palm Springs, avoids returning to his hometown despite Mildred's death, struggling with memories of his upbringing and a sense of detachment. Bonnie, his daughter, attempts to bridge the gap between them through a documentary, revealing the tensions and complexities in their relationship.
The Unraveling of Family Dynamics
After Mildred's passing, Wayne, Mildred's son, reemerges in Constants' life, setting off a chain of events that lead to the sale of the sisters' childhood home. Constants navigates the shifting family dynamics, grappling with Wayne's presence and the changes it brings, showcasing the evolving relationships and emotional toll of familial ties.
Closure and New Beginnings
As Constants contemplates the sale of the family home and Gina, Cooper's caregiver, becomes a permanent resident, the story reflects on themes of closure, loss, and new beginnings. The narrative encapsulates the complexities of familial relationships, personal growth, and the cyclical nature of life's transitions.
Thomas McGuane reads his story “Thataway,” from the May 27, 2024, issue of the magazine. McGuane has published more than a dozen books of fiction, including the story collections “Gallatin Canyon,” “Crow Fair,” and “Cloudbursts: Collected and New Stories,” which came out in 2018.