Ebook: [Fiction] Three Stories

Untitled or "Paula" (1941)


The untitled manuscript at the Ransom Center is less a story than a series of scenes not yet sewn together. Whether or not this is some form of Salinger's lost story "Paula" is pure speculation. However, in a letter dated October 31 (1941), Salinger states that he is "finishing a horror story (my first and last) called 'Mrs. Hincher.' " Undoubtedly a reference to the story described here, Salinger's letter dates its completion to late 1941 or early 1942.

"The Ocean Full of Bowling Balls" is largely regarded as the finest of Salinger's unpublished works. While not having had the opportunity to revue all of the author's unpublished materials, it is hard to imagine a more important work among them

"Birthday Boy" (1946?)


The short story "Birthday Boy" is accompanied by a letter from Salinger to John Woodburn which refers to "both sets of proofs". Although undated, the letter probably dates to 1951, the year that Woodburn published The Catcher in the Rye. However, it's also likely that the letter does not reference Catcher, but a short story sent to placate the editor instead. Salinger's relationship with Woodburn was brief and somewhat bizarre.