“The Sightseers”
by David Gilbert
from the November 20, 2017 issue of The New Yorker

The last time David Gilbert published a story in The New Yorker (“Underground,” which we posted on here), he pleased many regular commenters here but disappointed others, who said the topic was well-worn, but who nevertheless admired the skill behind the story. In “The Sightseers” Gilbert goes to New York and the haves and have-nots again, threatening to disappoint those who want him to push the boundaries a bit.

I haven’t read this one yet, so I don’t know any more how it does or does not relate to “Underground,” and I don’t have any thoughts on whether he is doing something “new” here. That said, I find Gilbert’s talent undeniable, and sometimes that’s enough to satisfy me, even if I would prefer the talent combined with some particularly fresh take on material (which Gilbert has offered before).

I look forward to seeing what you all think of this one!

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