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3.57 AVERAGE
3.57 AVERAGE
The first of two stories is an excellent M.R.James style English Big House ghost story, with the familiar formula of outside visitor to a down-at-heels manor: superstitions of the lower classes serving as revolutionary forces in a caste based society.
The second is a curious yet directionless fairy story: it lacks the elements of trial or quest that are typically in present in more traditional folk stories (in particular from Ireland).
Worth a read, if only for the first one!
The second is a curious yet directionless fairy story: it lacks the elements of trial or quest that are typically in present in more traditional folk stories (in particular from Ireland).
Worth a read, if only for the first one!
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Did not expect the haunting little ghost tale, an excellent surprise and perfect for this time of year.
dark
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Narratively it's a pretty standard ghost story, but the manor and wintry setting are lovely, and Rosamund is the sweetest little girl ever. Highly recommend for anyone who wants a short, spooky gothic story for the holiday season.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
Moderate: Child abuse
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
mysterious
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
What an incredible storyteller Elizabeth Gaskell is! I adored her style of writing here, and although I could care less about the second short story on fairytale characters, reading the one about a ghost child had me hooked on the story throughout it.
With a wonderful, chilly setting, "The Old Nurse's Story" took interesting turns as it proceeded.
Finally, some decent read from this collection!
With a wonderful, chilly setting, "The Old Nurse's Story" took interesting turns as it proceeded.
Finally, some decent read from this collection!
dark
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No