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.
Back to all reviews by this member
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
Back to all reviews of this book
Back to Book Reviews
Back to Book Details
