Ruminations on “Or Else”

I liked David. Not in the sense that I’d want to be his friend or even be in the same room with him at a party, because he is, in almost every sense, a creep. But he is a creep in the most authentic way possible. As I was reading the story I kept wondering if things were going to take a turn towards a more David Sedaris-esque resolution. Where in spite of the inherent awkwardness and discomfort between the characters there are still redeeming qualities that allow you to chuckle at the fumblings of these sad, yet relatable, individuals. This didn’t happen with David. The more you learn about him, the sadder and more disturbing his character becomes. But there is no break in the tension, no space to chuckle at his self centered delusions. It’s not as easy to read as a Sedaris story. There is no innocence. David’s actions are all calculated (as short sighted as they may be). I liked David because he was real. People like David usually don’t have any redeeming cuteness, or the ability to make you laugh along with their misadventures. I liked David because he remained true to himself – a creep; a loser.