Super Short Summary

Your Duck is My Duck by Deborah Eisenberg is a short-story collection exploring the moral and political failures of American civilization and the challenges of artistic creation. The title story follows an unnamed American painter who retreats to a rich couple's "beach place" amidst personal turmoil, only to encounter more chaos. Other stories include "Taj Mahal," where Emma reflects on her past amidst a celebrity memoirist's gathering, and "Cross Off and Move On," featuring a narrator revisiting family memories and longing for a different relationship dynamic. "Recalculating" focuses on Adam's fascination with his uncle Phillip, while "The Third Tower" explores a young woman's experience with creativity and psychological treatment. The novella "Merge" follows Keith's journey from privileged youth to a more compassionate individual, intertwined with Celeste's mysterious quest. The book addresses themes of environmental degradation, interpersonal relationships, and existential musings.