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3.57 AVERAGE
3.57 AVERAGE
I'm working my way through a collection of Victorian ghost stories and this one did not disappoint. Although our surroundings and lifestyle today are very different from those in this story, the hair that stands up on the backs of our necks feels exactly the same. So glad to be introduced to Elizabeth Gaskell through her only ghost story and looking forward to reading her novels.
There are two stories in this little volume, so I'll talk briefly about each, especially since it was very much a book of two halves for me.
The Old Nurse's Story is exactly what I wanted it to be: gothic, Victorian, and ghostly; with a sprawling manor home, snowy moorlands, a family keeping secrets, unexplained noises, and the presence of a strange child. It tells a full and satisfying story, within the confines of just 30 pages, which is really impressive. Despite its relative brevity, Gaskell manages to conjure up a good amount of both intrigue and atmosphere, whilst delivering a few memorably chilling moments. [4*]
Curious, if True worked considerably less well for me, not least because it simply wasn't creepy. It certainly has a strange air to it, and there is something oddly charming about the concept of someone stumbling upon a party populated by fairy tale characters, but I found the narrator frustratingly snobby, and the ending very cliché (though I respect it probably wasn't so in the mid-1800s, when it was written). [2*]
Especially for its age, Gaskell's prose was very readable, and she painted the scenes vividly. This was an intriguing introduction, and I'd certainly be open to trying more of her work.
The Old Nurse's Story is exactly what I wanted it to be: gothic, Victorian, and ghostly; with a sprawling manor home, snowy moorlands, a family keeping secrets, unexplained noises, and the presence of a strange child. It tells a full and satisfying story, within the confines of just 30 pages, which is really impressive. Despite its relative brevity, Gaskell manages to conjure up a good amount of both intrigue and atmosphere, whilst delivering a few memorably chilling moments. [4*]
Curious, if True worked considerably less well for me, not least because it simply wasn't creepy. It certainly has a strange air to it, and there is something oddly charming about the concept of someone stumbling upon a party populated by fairy tale characters, but I found the narrator frustratingly snobby, and the ending very cliché (though I respect it probably wasn't so in the mid-1800s, when it was written). [2*]
Especially for its age, Gaskell's prose was very readable, and she painted the scenes vividly. This was an intriguing introduction, and I'd certainly be open to trying more of her work.
This reminded me a lot of Wuthering Heights, which worked in the story’s favor. I enjoyed the buildup of tension and the origin of the ghost story, but the ending let me down. I definitely enjoy Gaskell’s novels more than her short stories.
A fun spooky story--ideal October reading. Very atmospheric and the appropriate level of creepy for me. Felt reasonably fresh and modern given the age.
mysterious
fast-paced
mysterious
medium-paced
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I enjoyed The Old Nurse's Story, but the second one wasn't as good.
Gaskell is good. This is an excellent example of a Victorian ghost story.
