Raymond Carver

I've just been introduced to the work of Raymond Carver - and I must say, I'm finding some of it horribly depressing. That said, the fourth story in Cathedral - 'The Compartment' - is masterfully crafted. Indeed, it was reminiscent, for me, of Hemingway's 'A Canary for One': trains, enclosed spaces, velocity, family dynamics - it's all there, cast in patient, powerful prose. I'm interested to learn more about Carver's critical reception as well as his attention (devestating, at times) to those moments of revelation which guide couples towards reunion (or worse, ruin).