A work of literary criticism that begins with J. D. Salinger's short story "A Perfect Day for Bananafish" and challenges the received reading of its ending. Following the mystery surrounding Seymour Glass, it reads the intricate designs of Salinger's fictional world, from the Glass family stories to The Catcher in the Rye, with the curiosity of literary detectives.

A close reading of the mysteries hidden in Salinger's work, beginning with the smallest details of the text.

Beginning with J. D. Salinger’s short story “A Perfect Day for Bananafish,” this work of literary criticism reconsiders the conventional view that its protagonist Seymour dies by suicide. Through close readings of Zen, archery, gestures, and dialogue, it reinterprets a world of fiction that extends from the short stories to The Catcher in the Rye.

Using the ending of a celebrated short story as its clue, the book uncovers another story within Salinger’s fiction.