J.D Salinger, famous for writing the book Catcher in Rye; a book that has controversially been cited as inspiration for some of the most shocking crimes in the 20th Century, yet is simply a tale about a young lad in his little red hunting hat. The book was his only novel ever published in his lifetime. But did you know J.D Salinger by trade was a master of the short story? Perfect Day for a Bananafish was first published by the New Yorker in January 1948 and then anthologised in his book “Nine Stories”. Of course he had published many short stories before this one in various magazines, its not even his first story published in the New Yorker, however it could be argued that it was this story that set the platform for Salinger’s name to become a household name in literature at the time. This Story was the first of many stories to feature members of Salinger’s fictional Glass Family.
Interesting fact: J.D Salinger published Hapworth 16, 1924 in the New Yorker in 1965. This would be his last story published in his lifetime. Living a very secluded life due to the unwanted attention from the media and the public, he continued to write at his home in New Hampshire until his death in 2010 and all this work remains unpublished to this day.
Synopsis: Muriel Glass is on the phone to her worried and protective mother while she is on honeymoon with her army combat veteran husband Seymour. Her mother is worried about the reports of her son in law’s odd and erratic behaviour since returning from an army hospital and her daughter is dismissive of her mothers claims. Meanwhile down on the beach, a little girl has formed a friendship with a stranger; Seymour Glass. They go out into the ocean and this is where Seymour tells the young girl about the tragic life of Bananafish. ( Slight Spoiler) Seymour proves his mother-in-law was right to be concerned.
Review: The story’s layout reminded me a little bit of a play. The first part gives context and gently builds momentum for what happens in the next section. The story is raw and honest about the human condition and relationships. No matter how nice someone may seem you don’t really know whats going on behind closed doors. Even if you have read and disliked Catcher, you’d be a fool for discounting Salinger’s short fiction. I’d recommend beginning here and working your way through his catalogue. Then maybe one day you’ll return to Catcher and find yourself changing your opinion of it; or not. But at least you wouldn’t have missed out on the mastery of his short stories.
9.5/10
Little Extra: I’d recommend watching the film Rebel in The Rye. It’s a biographical drama about Salinger’s life; with Nicholas Hoult playing the writer. It’s currently on Amazon Prime.
Megan Layley 
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