Zadie Smith on Grace Paley's "My Father Addresses Me on the Facts of Old Age"
Briefly

The author reflects on the profound impact Grace Paley's writing had on their understanding of storytelling. Initially accustomed to conventional narrative styles, the author discovered Paley's loose, conversational approach that resonates with working-class experiences. Paley's themes involve activism woven through everyday life, providing a sense of familiarity and connection for those from similar backgrounds. The article emphasizes how Paley's work diverges from traditional storytelling conventions, offering a richer, more human perspective on life, making her narratives transformative for the author.
A working-class voice. A neighborhood voice. I came from a different neighborhood—...but recognized the Paleyverse immediately.
The main thing is this—when you get up in the morning you must take your heart in your two hands.
Read at The New Yorker
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