The Umbrella by tove Ditlevsen
Helga had always—unreasonably—expected more from life than it could deliver. People like her live among us, not differing conspicuously from those who instinctively settle their affairs and figure out precisely how, given their looks, their abilities, and their environment, they can do what they need to do in the world. With respect to these three factors,
Helga was only averagely equipped. When she was put on the marriage market, she was a slightly too small and slightly too drab young woman, with narrow lips, a turned-up nose, and—her only promising feature—a pair of large, questioning eyes, which an attentive observer might have called “dreamy.” But Helga would have been embarrassed if anyone had asked her what she was dreaming about.
Nast, Condé. ““The Umbrella.”” The New Yorker, 14 Oct. 2021, www.newyorker.com/magazine/2021/10/25/the-umbrella.
Why we loved it
The Umbrella by Tove Ditlevsen is a story we love for so many reasons! First of all, it’s short but packed with emotion, making it easy to read yet hard to forget. The main character’s attachment to her umbrella might seem silly at first, but soon we realize it’s about much more—like comfort, memories, and even a little bit of rebellion. Plus, the way Ditlevsen writes makes us feel like we’re right there, walking through the rainy streets alongside her.
Another reason we adore this story is how relatable it is. Who hasn’t held onto something—like a favorite sweater or a lucky charm—just because it makes them feel safe? The umbrella becomes a symbol of the little things that get us through tough days, and that’s something everyone understands. The writing is simple but powerful, and before we know it, we’re smiling at the character’s stubborn love for her soggy, broken umbrella.
Finally, the story leaves us with a warm, fuzzy feeling. Even though it’s about something as ordinary as an umbrella, it reminds us that joy can be found in the smallest, most unexpected places. The ending is sweet and satisfying, like the first sip of hot cocoa on a cold day. All in all, The Umbrella is a tiny treasure—proof that great stories don’t need to be long or complicated to stick with us long after we’ve finished reading.