Discussion Notes: Stone Mattress

Find this week’s story here: Stone Mattress by Margaret Atwood

Next week’s story:  The Dinner Party by Joshua Ferris

Rated: Clean

This week all four Literary Roadhouse hosts gushed about this superbly sharp and entertaining short story by Margaret Atwood. “Stone Mattress” inspired an in-depth discussion of excellent prose, characterizations and symbolism. The conversation turns contentious as the hosts debate the moral character of the protagonist’s former husbands.

Come for the discussion, stay for a blooper reel at the very end.

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Psst: Full list of short stories discussed on the podcast >>

Next week’s story is Wagons, Ho! by Padgett Powell

Rated not too bad

Happy Endings is a short story the plays on the novel outlining to reflect on life, relationships, and the process of writing. In this discussion, we talk about the deeper meanings of the story, whether the format worked and what each of us took away from this exploration of what makes a story… the beginning, middle or end.

Don’t forget to rate the story! For the history of our goofy system, see Anais’ post “Read Short Stories or Ray Bradbury Cries.” On a scale of 1-6 Bradberries, how do you rate Happy Endings? Tell us in the comments below or via voicemail, and we will give the final tally on the next episode.