"the clothes they stood up in" by alan bennett

this rather charming short story or novella, tells the tale of the ransomes, who, after coming home from the opera one night, discover that they have been burgled. this is not an ordinary robbing as the thieves have taken absolutely everything from their furniture and electronics to their rugs, curtain rings, toilet paper and light fixtures.

mr. ransome, a solicitor with a penchant for correct grammar, dearly misses his almost state-of-the-art stereo, while mrs. ransome, after getting over the initial shock, starts to enjoy the paired down living the situation has forced. she even starts to wander into "ethnic" shops she would have never ventured in before to purchase cheap replacements for the apartment.

as the author, alan bennett, is known mostly for writing plays, the dialogue is crisp and the descriptions paired down. it is a pleasant afternoon read that is bound to be remembered fondly for its unique premise and bittersweet end.