What We Talk About When We Talk About Love, Raymond Carver: Summary & Analysis

Raymond Carver's 'What We Talk About When We Talk About Love' stands as one of the most renowned short stories by the American writer (1938-88). The narrative centers around four characters, comprising two romantic couples, who spend an afternoon discussing the essence of love while sipping gin. Carver's fiction often wields a subtle impact, prompting us to explore the plot of 'What We Talk About When We Talk About Love' before delving into its analysis. Plot Summary The story revolves around four friends forming two couples: Mel and Terri, married to each other, and Nick and Laura, engaged in an 18-month relationship. Nick serves as the narrator. All four characters have experienced previous marriages with different partners. The events unfold in a single afternoon and evening at Mel's home, where they gather around the kitchen table, savoring cheap gin with lime wedges. As conversation takes a turn towards the topic of love, Terri recounts her past relationsh…