Twenty-two short stories reminiscent of O Henry in that most have a twist ending (some of which can be seen coming from the first page). Mostly set among upper-class English families prior to the Great War, often lampooning the pretenses of the society. It was a society Saki (H.H. Munro) knew well and whose pomposities he delighted in skewering.
These are very short pieces, some almost vignettes, and one needs to resist the temptation to crunch them all down at once like a handful of potato chips. They are best enjoyed one at a time, and their original format -- publication in various periodicals of the era -- allowed readers to savor them in that way.
They are inevitably dated as they pass the centenarian mark, yet the modern reader will immediately recognize many of the traits being satirized here.
These are very short pieces, some almost vignettes, and one needs to resist the temptation to crunch them all down at once like a handful of potato chips. They are best enjoyed one at a time, and their original format -- publication in various periodicals of the era -- allowed readers to savor them in that way.
They are inevitably dated as they pass the centenarian mark, yet the modern reader will immediately recognize many of the traits being satirized here.
This is a scholastic book from the late 60s. I grew up reading the stories in it for wicked fun. It has lots of creepy scenes, irony, twisted humor, and some children being eaten. Not the usual childrens' lit. But I enjoyed it as a kid and I enjoy it as an adult. I also get more of the points of the humor now.
Well written, great classic stories, dialog that just spins with societal jabs, and characters who are memorable.
Well written, great classic stories, dialog that just spins with societal jabs, and characters who are memorable.
Saki is, unquestionably, a master of the short story. His humor is quite dark and leans heavily on satire, dark satire. His works should be read by all with a love of reading.
