Probably a 4.5, but I’m happily rounding up! I have read many books that are meant to teach foreign language fluency through short stories, but this oProbably a 4.5, but I’m happily rounding up! I have read many books that are meant to teach foreign language fluency through short stories, but this one might be the very best I’ve found.
Here is the format for each chapter: 1) a short story in French; 2) a summary of the story, also in French; 3) a list of key vocabulary words and/or phrases, in both French and English; 4) a list of comprehension questions, all in French; 5) the answers, also in French; and 6) the same story again, but in English.
The speakers are easy to understand, the vocabulary is challenging for beginners but not impossible, and the whole tone is upbeat and encouraging. I really like the format, with the English translation coming last, after the vocab review and the questions. I especially like that the answers are given—not all language books do that, and it’s quite helpful. The ebook is easy to navigate, so anyone hoping to go back and hear parts of the story again will have no trouble doing so. Great thought was clearly put into the content of the stories, as each one seems planned to introduce the reader to vocabulary connected to a specific topic (e.g., the restaurant story gives the words for different types of food). The situations described (e.g., buying train tickets) are quite practical. The best part, for me, was that the stories were all connected. There was one main plot for the book, and each short story, featuring the same main characters, advanced the main storyline a little bit at a time. Each chapter really did feel like a chapter of a single, cohesive story....more
This book showcases a good range of Victorian fiction. Featured in these pages are many types of story, including serious, dramatic, macabre, and humoThis book showcases a good range of Victorian fiction. Featured in these pages are many types of story, including serious, dramatic, macabre, and humorous. Here, you'll find romance, infidelity, grudges, vengeance, hard-working detectives, unflinching criminals, secrets, money, jewels, theft, and—of course—murder. You'll read stories in the third person and the first, and which are told from the points of view of the detectives, of neutral observers, and even (in a couple of the stories) of the killers themselves. The stories represent a strong mix of countries and authors, and the editors of this volume have provided for each tale a short introduction that grounds it and the author in context. Through these intros, readers can learn about different popular motifs of Victorian mysteries, and then they can read the tale that inspired or epitomized these various trends. Not all the stories herein can be strictly considered mysteries; some of them might more accurately be called "Crime Fiction." A few tales show each step of the crime and its aftermath, and one focuses more on the killer's defense in court than on the detective who arranged his arrest. As with any anthology, some of the stories are better than others, but together, they offer a glimpse into the vast body of crime fiction of this era, with its many different styles and voices....more
What an excellent collection of short fiction! There were, of course, a few stories that didn't seem as strong as some of the others, but I don't thinWhat an excellent collection of short fiction! There were, of course, a few stories that didn't seem as strong as some of the others, but I don't think there was a single one that I disliked—an unusual occurrence with anthologies and something that impresses me greatly. These exceedingly well-chosen sea stories have been grouped here into four different thematic sections, each of which explores a different element of the sea. The tales complement each other perfectly, and each section is an adventure unto itself. I cannot praise this book highly enough. Absolutely amazing collection.
Out of an already-strong collection, these seven were my favorites: • The Fog Horn (Bradbury) • A Descent into the Maelström (Poe) • The Cruise of The Jolly Roger (Vonnegut) • One for the Islands (Highsmith) • The Open Boat (Crane) • The House of Mapuhi (London) • Sail Shining in White (Helprin) ...more
I greatly enjoyed this very short story. This tale makes good use of detail to portray complicated subject matter; there is, first of all, a descriptiI greatly enjoyed this very short story. This tale makes good use of detail to portray complicated subject matter; there is, first of all, a description of the atoll where the story takes place, and a description of the valuable pearl that has been found, and of course, the hair-raising details of the powerful storm that hits the island. Just as interesting are the characters. London treats with nuance the delicate economic situation, in which Europeans send people to the atoll to do business with the local Polynesians. One main character is the pearl's finder, and the other is biracial, whose family represents both sides of this cultural divide, and whose approach to his business dealings is at once strong and humble. Will he purchase the pearl? Will he survive the storm? And what will become of the man who found the pearl? A page-turner, for sure, and thought-provoking....more
I don't really understand this story. Maybe it lost something in translation, or maybe I just don't get it. I didn't enjoy it but couldn't stop readinI don't really understand this story. Maybe it lost something in translation, or maybe I just don't get it. I didn't enjoy it but couldn't stop reading, even though it was a deeply unpleasant experience, because I wanted to know if everything came out okay. Even by the end, I couldn't tell whether the story was supposed to be disturbing or funny, but I am very sorry I read it....more
A wonderful short story by Bradbury: creepy and memorable. The descriptions of the fog and the dark ocean create a vivid setting, and the drama pays oA wonderful short story by Bradbury: creepy and memorable. The descriptions of the fog and the dark ocean create a vivid setting, and the drama pays off nicely. Ten years after I read it, I could still recall it in detail. Recommended for fans of science fiction or of tales about the sea....more
Not necessarily a fun read, but incredibly well-written. Distinctive, memorable, and eerie. Highsmith has shown herself to be a talented writer who fiNot necessarily a fun read, but incredibly well-written. Distinctive, memorable, and eerie. Highsmith has shown herself to be a talented writer who fills a scant amount of pages with extraordinary power....more
Moody, atmospheric—a story of the sea so vivid in its descriptions that I could practically taste the salt air. I had a tougher time deciphering the dMoody, atmospheric—a story of the sea so vivid in its descriptions that I could practically taste the salt air. I had a tougher time deciphering the dialogues; one of the characters makes many long-winded speeches (rants?) in what I can only describe as a strong Scottish dialect. This adds flavor to the story but makes the reading a bit more difficult for readers unused to it. The plot is spare (thin?) and ends abruptly. For such a long short story, not much happens, and what story remains is a bit on the odd side. But oh! Those evocative descriptions! Easily the best part of the book....more
What a pleasure to read a book compiled by an expert who so clearly loves his topic! Hugh Lamb, in gathering this collection of macabre Victorian fictWhat a pleasure to read a book compiled by an expert who so clearly loves his topic! Hugh Lamb, in gathering this collection of macabre Victorian fiction, has sought out many authors who, while successful in their day, have not necessarily remained in the public consciousness. These forgotten (or nearly) writers are once again given attention and acknowledgement in this little gem of a book. These stories are dark, powerful, and creepy—and while they certainly have a strong 19th-century flavor (that is their time period, after all) the content is never saccharine, and the writing is such that could hold its own against the tales of the present day.
Here are some good things: • The book is well-organized. • Each author has a mini (1 page) introduction. • Lamb, in his intros, gives salient information without being loquacious. • There are many unknown (or at least not well-known) authors. • The stories show a wide variety of styles. • The stories are interesting and quite well-written. • Lamb clearly knows his craft and has done his research, but he never condescends to his readers or comes off as pretentious.
I suppose perhaps the best compliment I can give is this: these tales tend a bit too much toward the macabre for my taste, and yet I enjoyed reading each and every one of them, partly because Lamb’s introductions helped me understand their value, and mostly because his love for these stories shone through every page....more
Well, this was different. I had never heard of most of these works by Edgar Allan Poe, and I can see why: these are tales that stray from Poe’s usual Well, this was different. I had never heard of most of these works by Edgar Allan Poe, and I can see why: these are tales that stray from Poe’s usual fare of horror and mystery. Here, he tries his hand at sci-fi and even comedy. And believe it or not, I did laugh out loud a little bit in places. This is a bit of a mixed bag: some of Poe’s classic poems are included alongside bizarre tales of adventure and even a silly satirical response to the legend of Scheherazade. As to the quality of some of these stories, that’s a bit tougher to judge. I listened to an audio recording, but I’m not sure that that is the best format for these tales. There is, for example, a great deal of dialogue and some long-winded explanations given by different characters. Parts of this collection felt a little tedious to me, but it’s possible—and, I suspect, likely—that these stories would flow better in a traditional print format. As to the content, one of the stories was so disturbing I couldn’t finish it, but most were interesting. I tend to like 19th-century sea tales, so that helped a bit, too. This would probably be interesting to people who like Poe, or who are interested in short fiction from this era....more
A highly enjoyable ghost story that's far more entertaining than scary. A jilted woman, a newlywed bachelor, and a young wife form the key players in A highly enjoyable ghost story that's far more entertaining than scary. A jilted woman, a newlywed bachelor, and a young wife form the key players in this drama. A terrific tale of promises broken, and of promises kept, even from beyond the grave....more
I greatly enjoyed this haunting tale about a mysterious schoolmaster and a boy with a fishing rod. Dark, atmospheric, memorable. I liked that there arI greatly enjoyed this haunting tale about a mysterious schoolmaster and a boy with a fishing rod. Dark, atmospheric, memorable. I liked that there are elements to the mystery that are decidedly human in origin, and the ghostly aspects are built on this solid foundation. A sad story, but quite satisfying....more
Atmospheric and compelling, this gripping tale begins slowly and builds gradually to its horrifying conclusion. Edith Wharton sure knows her craft, anAtmospheric and compelling, this gripping tale begins slowly and builds gradually to its horrifying conclusion. Edith Wharton sure knows her craft, and this melancholy little tale, full of dread and pathos, offers a memorable experience. Well worth the read....more
This was honestly probably just a 4-star read, but I'm giving it five because I enjoyed it so. A horrific depiction of a vampire, a gripping tale of hThis was honestly probably just a 4-star read, but I'm giving it five because I enjoyed it so. A horrific depiction of a vampire, a gripping tale of hunter and prey, and a disturbing tone, of course. This story reminded me a great deal of Bram Stoker's Dracula: both are told in diary format, both describe some men working together to hunt a vampire, and both treat of disturbing subject matter. This story lacks the characters' nuance that Stoker portrayed so well, but this short tale is also nowhere near as long. For what it is—a quick read about a vampire who wakes from death to prey on children—this story is excellent. Fans of Dracula will likely enjoy this shorter tale that follows in the same line. Recommended for fans of horror and vampire stories....more
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