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The Monkey's Paw: W.W. Jacobs's Best Classic Horror Thrillers - W.W. Jacobs' Haunting Tale: Unraveling The Monkey's Paw
The Monkey's W. W. Jacobs's Best Classic Horror Thrillers by W. W. Brace yourself for a spine-chilling tale of supernatural consequences with "The Monkey's Paw" by W. W. Jacobs. This classic horror thriller takes readers on a journey of greed, fate, and the terrifying power of wishes. With its atmospheric setting and haunting narrative, Jacobs delivers a suspenseful and unforgettable reading experience that explores the boundaries of human desire and the consequences of tampering with the unknown.
Key Aspects of the Book "The Monkey's Paw": Supernatural Engage with the unnerving suspense that unfolds as the characters grapple with the consequences of their actions and face the eerie repercussions of a mystical monkey's paw that grants wishes. Moral Explore the ethical implications of unchecked desires and the darker side of human nature, as Jacobs delves into the choices individuals make when confronted with the opportunity to fulfill their deepest wishes.
Psychological Experience the psychological tension and mounting dread that permeate the narrative, as Jacobs skillfully builds an atmosphere of unease and delves into the characters' internal struggles and fears.
W. Jacobs, an esteemed English author, crafted "The Monkey's Paw" as one of his most celebrated works. Known for his skill in creating atmospheric tales of mystery and the supernatural, Jacobs has left an indelible mark on the realm of classic horror literature. Through "The Monkey's Paw," readers can immerse themselves in Jacobs' masterful storytelling and witness his ability to evoke fear and suspense with a timeless and haunting narrative.
Key Aspects of the Book "The Monkey's Paw": Supernatural Engage with the unnerving suspense that unfolds as the characters grapple with the consequences of their actions and face the eerie repercussions of a mystical monkey's paw that grants wishes. Moral Explore the ethical implications of unchecked desires and the darker side of human nature, as Jacobs delves into the choices individuals make when confronted with the opportunity to fulfill their deepest wishes.
Psychological Experience the psychological tension and mounting dread that permeate the narrative, as Jacobs skillfully builds an atmosphere of unease and delves into the characters' internal struggles and fears.
W. Jacobs, an esteemed English author, crafted "The Monkey's Paw" as one of his most celebrated works. Known for his skill in creating atmospheric tales of mystery and the supernatural, Jacobs has left an indelible mark on the realm of classic horror literature. Through "The Monkey's Paw," readers can immerse themselves in Jacobs' masterful storytelling and witness his ability to evoke fear and suspense with a timeless and haunting narrative.
28 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 1902
About the author
W.W. Jacobs
816 books147 followersWilliam Wymark Jacobs was an English author of short stories and novels. Quite popular in his lifetime primarily for his amusing maritime tales of life along the London docks (many of them humorous as well as sardonic in tone). Today he is best known for a few short works of horror fiction. One being "The Monkey's Paw"(published 1902). It has in its own right become a well-known and widely anthologized classic.
~Literary Works
Many Cargoes (1896)
The Skipper's Wooing (1897)
Sea Urchins (1898) /aka More Cargoes (US) (1898)
A Master of Craft (1900)
The Monkey's Paw (1902)
The Toll House (1902)
Light Freights (1901)
At Sunwich Port (1902)
the Barge (1902)
Odd Craft (1903) : contains The Money Box, basis of Laurel and Hardy film Our Relations (1935)
Dialstone Lane (1902)
Captain's All (1905)
Short Cruises (1907)
Salthaven (1908)
Sailor's Knots (1909)
The Toll House (1909)
Ship's Company (1911)
Night Watches (1914)
The Castaways (1916)
Deep Waters (1919)
Sea Whispers (1926)
~Literary Works
Many Cargoes (1896)
The Skipper's Wooing (1897)
Sea Urchins (1898) /aka More Cargoes (US) (1898)
A Master of Craft (1900)
The Monkey's Paw (1902)
The Toll House (1902)
Light Freights (1901)
At Sunwich Port (1902)
the Barge (1902)
Odd Craft (1903) : contains The Money Box, basis of Laurel and Hardy film Our Relations (1935)
Dialstone Lane (1902)
Captain's All (1905)
Short Cruises (1907)
Salthaven (1908)
Sailor's Knots (1909)
The Toll House (1909)
Ship's Company (1911)
Night Watches (1914)
The Castaways (1916)
Deep Waters (1919)
Sea Whispers (1926)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,284 reviews
July 17, 2024
I am trying to get back into this reviewing stuff. It's been around one month since I've written something. The reasons are diverse. I've been travelling, I did not feel like doing it and, connected to that, I was mad with Goodreads for removing the sorting function for friends. I still am and I am struggling to make navigating my friends' updates easier. I had a method and now i don't.
Anyway, back to this short story from The Black Water Anthology. I liked it and that was welcomed after a series of mediocre stories from that book. A family is visited by a guy who brings with him a monkey Paw. He tells them that it grants wishes but that comes with a very negative side to it, usually a disaster. The father convinces the visitor to leave them the paw and when they make a wish, the family understands why the man feared the thing. The way the man came to visit and discuss the `paw was a bit random but the atmosphere was creepy enough.
Anyway, back to this short story from The Black Water Anthology. I liked it and that was welcomed after a series of mediocre stories from that book. A family is visited by a guy who brings with him a monkey Paw. He tells them that it grants wishes but that comes with a very negative side to it, usually a disaster. The father convinces the visitor to leave them the paw and when they make a wish, the family understands why the man feared the thing. The way the man came to visit and discuss the `paw was a bit random but the atmosphere was creepy enough.
August 7, 2019
Classic horror tale. A family and their son Herbert are visited by an old soldier named Morris. He tells them from his time in India and shows them a mysterious talisman, the monkey's paw. According to him the owner of the paw has three wishes. Since he already had three he throw the object into the fire. Herbert's father is getting the talisman out of the fire and from here the horror starts. If you want to know how the family got the wished for 200 pounds you should take a peek now. The story is set up in three chapters and is very creepy. Stephen King certainly had this story in mind when writing Pet Cemetery... Can you guess what the father's final wish was? A classic and absolutely recommended.
June 5, 2024
Everything starts peacefully.
Everything ends in misery and disappointment for the main characters.
By not being able to resist the temptation presented to them by the monkey's paw, they ended up bringing despair on themselves.
The gist of this story can be simply summed up as "be afraid of your desires because they can sometimes come true."
Another thought I took from the story is about what may happen when success comes without effort. You do not usually get something from nothing. If you receive something seemingly for free, as it happens in this little tale, the final price may turn out to be disproportionately high.
The story can be read here.
Without, the night was cold and wet, but in the small parlour of Laburnum villa the blinds were drawn and the fire burned brightly.
Everything ends in misery and disappointment for the main characters.
By not being able to resist the temptation presented to them by the monkey's paw, they ended up bringing despair on themselves.
The gist of this story can be simply summed up as "be afraid of your desires because they can sometimes come true."
Another thought I took from the story is about what may happen when success comes without effort. You do not usually get something from nothing. If you receive something seemingly for free, as it happens in this little tale, the final price may turn out to be disproportionately high.
The story can be read here.
June 7, 2024
This early Edwardian (1902) ghost story opens promisingly, juxtaposing the safety of home and family against the dark and stormy night outside:
“Without, the night was cold and wet, but in the small parlour of Laburnam Villa the blinds were drawn and the fire burned brightly. Father and son were at chess... the white-haired old lady knitting placidly by the fire.”
Image: “Moonlight After Rain” by Atkinson Grimshaw, 1883 (Source.)
Despite the weather, and the remoteness of the house, an old friend visits. He regales them with tales of India. When he lets slip the monkey’s paw, the White family are fascinated. And tempted.
The great weakness in narrative terms is that the moral of the story is made plain before anything much has happened:
"It had a spell put on it by an old fakir... He wanted to show that fate ruled people's lives, and that those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow."
That means that what happens thereafter is predictable: a fairly reasonable wish causes regret, so people consider using another wish to fix things, despite the warnings.
The final scene is more compelling. First the waiting:
“The candle-end, which had burned below the rim of the china candlestick, was throwing pulsating shadows on the ceiling and walls, until, with a flicker larger than the rest, it expired.”
Then the knocking…
This is short (and free to read on Gutenberg, HERE), but you can probably spend your time better elsewhere:
* For a twistier approach to the pitfalls of wishes, see The Bottle Imp, written ten years earlier by Robert Louis Stevenson, and which I reviewed HERE. It is also free on Gutenberg.
* For a scarier approach, look for something more modern, perhaps by someone like Stephen King.
* Or maybe revist fond childhood memories!
Image: Snoopy, typing “It was a dark and stormy night” - the first, and so far only, sentence of his novel. (Source.)
Joke
A man finds an ancient oil lamp and out comes an all powerful genie.
Genie: "You have 3 wishes."
Man: "I don't know, I've seen this before. Whatever I wish for will come back and bite me in some way."
Genie: "I promise that won't happen. I'm so sure it won't I'll give you infinite wishes if it does!"
Man: "Okay. I wish for a boomerang with teeth."
Genie: "You son of a..."
Short story club
I reread this in Black Water: The Anthology of Fantastic Literature, by Alberto Manguel, from which I’m reading one story a week with The Short Story Club, starting 4 September 2023.
You can read this story here.
You can join the group here.
“Without, the night was cold and wet, but in the small parlour of Laburnam Villa the blinds were drawn and the fire burned brightly. Father and son were at chess... the white-haired old lady knitting placidly by the fire.”
Image: “Moonlight After Rain” by Atkinson Grimshaw, 1883 (Source.)
Despite the weather, and the remoteness of the house, an old friend visits. He regales them with tales of India. When he lets slip the monkey’s paw, the White family are fascinated. And tempted.
The great weakness in narrative terms is that the moral of the story is made plain before anything much has happened:
"It had a spell put on it by an old fakir... He wanted to show that fate ruled people's lives, and that those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow."
That means that what happens thereafter is predictable: a fairly reasonable wish causes regret, so people consider using another wish to fix things, despite the warnings.
The final scene is more compelling. First the waiting:
“The candle-end, which had burned below the rim of the china candlestick, was throwing pulsating shadows on the ceiling and walls, until, with a flicker larger than the rest, it expired.”
Then the knocking…
This is short (and free to read on Gutenberg, HERE), but you can probably spend your time better elsewhere:
* For a twistier approach to the pitfalls of wishes, see The Bottle Imp, written ten years earlier by Robert Louis Stevenson, and which I reviewed HERE. It is also free on Gutenberg.
* For a scarier approach, look for something more modern, perhaps by someone like Stephen King.
* Or maybe revist fond childhood memories!
Image: Snoopy, typing “It was a dark and stormy night” - the first, and so far only, sentence of his novel. (Source.)
Joke
A man finds an ancient oil lamp and out comes an all powerful genie.
Genie: "You have 3 wishes."
Man: "I don't know, I've seen this before. Whatever I wish for will come back and bite me in some way."
Genie: "I promise that won't happen. I'm so sure it won't I'll give you infinite wishes if it does!"
Man: "Okay. I wish for a boomerang with teeth."
Genie: "You son of a..."
Short story club
I reread this in Black Water: The Anthology of Fantastic Literature, by Alberto Manguel, from which I’m reading one story a week with The Short Story Club, starting 4 September 2023.
You can read this story here.
You can join the group here.
November 9, 2016
A dark stormy night with a night visitor sets the stage for the telling of this short creepy tale of woe, and.....
A magic spell from days of old granting three wishes on a mummified paw comes with the warning not to interfere with fate, but oh the temptation is just too great to pass by.....
The first wish causes shock and unrelenting despair.
The second wish brings a man to his knees in overwhelming fear (huge creep factor here) and.....
The third wish, well, read it to find out what happens.
The moral of the story in THE MONKEY'S PAW.....Be careful what you wish for, you just may receive it!
February 1, 2020
This is the original 1902 horror short story about the perils of getting what you wish for. An older couple, the Whites, and their adult son Herbert, are shown a mummified monkey’s paw by a friend of the family.
It’s understated horror by today’s standards, but the ending still packs a decent punch. Read it free online here at Project Gutenberg.
"It had a spell put on it by an old fakir," said the sergeant-major, "a very holy man. He wanted to show that fate ruled people's lives, and that those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow.”Three different people can get three wishes granted, and the sergeant-major has already used his three wishes, to his regret. The Whites beg for the chance to try their three wishes, against the sergeant-major’s strong advice.
It’s understated horror by today’s standards, but the ending still packs a decent punch. Read it free online here at Project Gutenberg.
May 1, 2022
Read a long time ago but this book was unforgettable. Very, very Creepy!!
October 17, 2024
“Sometimes what you think you'll find
It ain't quite what real life has in store
So be careful what you wish for.”
Luke Combs, Be Careful What You Wish For
If handed a charm that could grant you three wishes with a warning that the outcome might not be the fairytale you'd dreamed of, would you dare?
Enter "the Whites", an ordinary family living a comfortable life who received such a talisman, and they began to wonder… Perhaps, if they weren’t too greedy, they might minimize any consequences. Or perhaps nothing at all would come of it. After all, who’d ever heard of a wish-granting monkey paw? What harm could a tiny wish do? With that, Mr. White hoped for the best and threw caution to the wind.
Within this bodeful tale, will his desires be dispensed, or will a cruel payment be exacted?
If you haven’t read this chilling short story, published in 1902, you are in for a treat! (Or perhaps even a trick.)
It ain't quite what real life has in store
So be careful what you wish for.”
Luke Combs, Be Careful What You Wish For
If handed a charm that could grant you three wishes with a warning that the outcome might not be the fairytale you'd dreamed of, would you dare?
Enter "the Whites", an ordinary family living a comfortable life who received such a talisman, and they began to wonder… Perhaps, if they weren’t too greedy, they might minimize any consequences. Or perhaps nothing at all would come of it. After all, who’d ever heard of a wish-granting monkey paw? What harm could a tiny wish do? With that, Mr. White hoped for the best and threw caution to the wind.
Within this bodeful tale, will his desires be dispensed, or will a cruel payment be exacted?
If you haven’t read this chilling short story, published in 1902, you are in for a treat! (Or perhaps even a trick.)
August 24, 2011
Atmosphere, subtlety, thought provocation, quality prose and lingering horror…these are the “Table of Contents” of the best of the classic early horror stories. Admittedly, my “modern” 21st century sensibilities and the red-meat need for high body counts, buckets-o-blood and levels of in your faceness that go to 11 occasionally has me looking at the early spook tales with PFFT on my lips.
But then I stop being so dense and remember how much the classic chillers have much to offer in the way of story-telling awesomeness.
The Monkey’s Paw is one of the most adapted, re-imagined and lampooned horror stories of them all and I am glad I finally got a chance to read it. The tale is only about 10 pages long so the plot is fairly straight-forward. The moral is that those who would try and cheat Fate, are just asking for their lives to be blowed up and rearranged into SHAMBLES.
Mr. and Mrs. White share a home with their adult son Herbert (don’t ask, this is “back in the day” where shit was strange and different). A friend of the family, Sergeant-Major Morris, pays a visit to the Whites upon his return from serving in India as a member of the British Army. Morris has with him a mummified Monkey’s Paw that he acquired while overseas. Morris spills that the Monkey’s Paw was created by an old fakir (i.e., a wondering wise man/teacher), who imbued it with a spell that grants the possessor 3 wishes.
However, Morris goes on to explain that the wishes bring nothing but bad tidings because the fakir’s purpose was “to show that fate ruled people's lives, and that those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow." (*cue sinister music and chorus of Mwhahahahahahs*) In fact, Morris came into possession of the artifact after his comrade “wished for death” as his final wish following the disaster of the first two.
The family, being skeptical of the Sergeant-major’s claim (and also none too bright) keeps the Monkey’s Paw and you can guess what happens from there…
Most of us have seen this kind of story before in one form or another given how many times it has been interpreted over the years. However, it was nice to finally read the source code and I thought the restrained manner in which the “horror” elements were handled was excellent.
HOWEVER….before I finish, I do have a few WTF comments to say about the character of Sergeant-Majorasshat Morris that I would like to get off my chest before I finish. DUDE….DUDE….DUDE, what exactly were you thinking? Why may I ask did you still having the Monkey’s Paw when you knew it was not a source of happy? Why oh why did you just “allow” the Whites in their “horror short story” stupidity to keep the Monkey’s Paw. Finally, are you normally this big of a DOUCHEosaur to your “friends.” If so, please remove me from your Christmas card list.
Sorry, but that needed to be said. Other than Sergeant-Major SUCK-a-lot’s inexplicable actions in passing the Monkey’s Paw to our main characters, I thought this was a textbook example of how good horror stories can create the atmosphere and the events of the story and then allowing the reader to draw the elements of horror in their own mind making for a much scarier and more lasting terror.
4.0 stars. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
But then I stop being so dense and remember how much the classic chillers have much to offer in the way of story-telling awesomeness.
The Monkey’s Paw is one of the most adapted, re-imagined and lampooned horror stories of them all and I am glad I finally got a chance to read it. The tale is only about 10 pages long so the plot is fairly straight-forward. The moral is that those who would try and cheat Fate, are just asking for their lives to be blowed up and rearranged into SHAMBLES.
Mr. and Mrs. White share a home with their adult son Herbert (don’t ask, this is “back in the day” where shit was strange and different). A friend of the family, Sergeant-Major Morris, pays a visit to the Whites upon his return from serving in India as a member of the British Army. Morris has with him a mummified Monkey’s Paw that he acquired while overseas. Morris spills that the Monkey’s Paw was created by an old fakir (i.e., a wondering wise man/teacher), who imbued it with a spell that grants the possessor 3 wishes.
However, Morris goes on to explain that the wishes bring nothing but bad tidings because the fakir’s purpose was “to show that fate ruled people's lives, and that those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow." (*cue sinister music and chorus of Mwhahahahahahs*) In fact, Morris came into possession of the artifact after his comrade “wished for death” as his final wish following the disaster of the first two.
The family, being skeptical of the Sergeant-major’s claim (and also none too bright) keeps the Monkey’s Paw and you can guess what happens from there…
Most of us have seen this kind of story before in one form or another given how many times it has been interpreted over the years. However, it was nice to finally read the source code and I thought the restrained manner in which the “horror” elements were handled was excellent.
HOWEVER….before I finish, I do have a few WTF comments to say about the character of Sergeant-Major
Sorry, but that needed to be said. Other than Sergeant-Major SUCK-a-lot’s inexplicable actions in passing the Monkey’s Paw to our main characters, I thought this was a textbook example of how good horror stories can create the atmosphere and the events of the story and then allowing the reader to draw the elements of horror in their own mind making for a much scarier and more lasting terror.
4.0 stars. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
September 17, 2016
La pata de mono es uno de los mejores cuentos fantásticos que he leído. Los poderes de la pata, la historia y el final me remiten a "El Diablo en la Botella", de Robert Louis Stevenson o a los cuentos contenidos en "Azazel", el libro de Isaac Asimov. Este cuento era uno de los preferidos de Jorge Luis Borges y Adolfo Bioy Casares y está incluído en un libro genial que se llama "Antología de la literatura fantástica", editado en 1940. Forma parte de una selección perfecta que en la que eligieron grandes genialidades del cuento fantástico junto a una de las mejores escritoras argentina de todas las épocas, famosa por sus oscuros cuentos y novelas: Silvina Ocampo.
October 17, 2022
Yesterday,
my great friend Christina
and I decided to partake in a book tag where we talked about gothic stories. I'm not the biggest fan of horror but lately, my life has been so topsy turvy I've been reading genres I'd never have read before. After how much I enjoyed Murderbot, it's honestly a war crime that I ever said "I don't do sci-fi".
But I digress, one of the prompts asked which is the creepiest story ever read. The original author of the tag, FictionFan, listed this story and I'd never heard of it. I, therefore, set about to correct my latest attempt at being an uncultured swine.
The stage is set. The macabre is nigh.
Sergeant-Major Morris served in India, indulging in dinner, whiskey, and story. Having served for her majesty's efforts in colonisation and conquest for 20 years, surely he has stories. And boy does he.
He tells them of a monkey's paw. Just a bit of what you might call magic, perhaps. And isn't that the understatement of the century. A paw dried to a mummy that was blessed and/or cursed by an old fakir. To teach a lesson on fate. Bah! I said when I saw this inanity. How can a be careful what you wish for story possibly get really creepy?
But I should not have underestimated this book. The story goes where you expect it to go and then takes it a step further. The way suspense, unease and thrill are utilised here is nothing short of genius. The ambiguous-ish ending leaves you wondering if you're relieved or if you're uneasy. Do you want more or are you happy to see the end of the story? I am beginning to understand the appeal of the genre. I may be searching drawers and cupboards for any errant sentient mummified paws for the rest of time.
If you are a fan of the creeps, Neil Gaiman, Shirley Jackson, Mary Shelley, Steph King etc... Read this story.
But I digress, one of the prompts asked which is the creepiest story ever read. The original author of the tag, FictionFan, listed this story and I'd never heard of it. I, therefore, set about to correct my latest attempt at being an uncultured swine.
The stage is set. The macabre is nigh.
Without, the night was cold and wet, but in the small parlour of Laburnam Villa the blinds were drawn and the fire burned brightly.Enter a father, a son and a white-haired old lady knitting placidly by the fire. The father and son are playing chess. Mr White is a cheat but White Jr gets the better of him. This is a close tight-knit family. The love and camaraderie are palpable. I was at a loss at what could be so unsettling. Unlike Edgar Allan Poe's stories, this one starts rather innocuously. A still of British family esprit de corps. The language is decadent, flowing. When the guest they were anticipating arrives, Mr White rises to greet him, a tall burly man, beady of eye and rubicund of visage.
Sergeant-Major Morris served in India, indulging in dinner, whiskey, and story. Having served for her majesty's efforts in colonisation and conquest for 20 years, surely he has stories. And boy does he.
He tells them of a monkey's paw. Just a bit of what you might call magic, perhaps. And isn't that the understatement of the century. A paw dried to a mummy that was blessed and/or cursed by an old fakir. To teach a lesson on fate. Bah! I said when I saw this inanity. How can a be careful what you wish for story possibly get really creepy?
But I should not have underestimated this book. The story goes where you expect it to go and then takes it a step further. The way suspense, unease and thrill are utilised here is nothing short of genius. The ambiguous-ish ending leaves you wondering if you're relieved or if you're uneasy. Do you want more or are you happy to see the end of the story? I am beginning to understand the appeal of the genre. I may be searching drawers and cupboards for any errant sentient mummified paws for the rest of time.
"It moved," he cried, with a glance of disgust at the object as it lay on the floor.
"As I wished, it twisted in my hand like a snake.
If you are a fan of the creeps, Neil Gaiman, Shirley Jackson, Mary Shelley, Steph King etc... Read this story.
October 13, 2017
“Be careful what you wish for!!!” That’s the moral of the story and it was eerily great. Super short but very good.
October 24, 2017
"Be careful what you wish for, you may receive it."Couldn't be any better epigraph for this story.
Monkey's Paw is one of the most amazing short stories I have ever read. The writing is so terrifyingly enjoyable. The atmosphere is one of the darkest ones I have ever read! I loved the atmosphere, loved the plot, loved the writing and loved everything.
OVERVIEW
Mr and Mrs White get a talisman which is a mummified monkey's paw from the friend of Mr White. This Monkey's Paw can fulfil three wishes of yours. But for a very heavy price that you will regret your wish...
This story shows that if you interfere the working of Fate, you will regret it.
The ending is little vague. Not that confusingly vague. But vague in a good manner. I liked this thing particularly in the story.
I will highly recommend this to everyone.
May 1, 2019
I first read this short story at some point during high school. Maybe it was middle school. I thought I'd remembered the ending correctly, but no I was slightly off. It's just one of those tales that hits on a deeper level. I think that's because it reveals without revealing per say. What's behind the door? You know, but at the same time Jacobs leaves it shut. One of my favorite short stories.
Be careful what you wish for.
Be careful what you wish for.
June 3, 2024
"A Monkey's Paw" is a classic tale of terror. The mummified paw has the magical power to grant three wishes. However, whoever makes the wish is playing with fate. So they'll get their wish, but other consequences will come with it.
Be careful what you wish for. . . and don't read this story right before bedtime.
"A Monkey's Paw" is in many anthologies, including "Black Water" which I'm reading with the Short Story Club.
Be careful what you wish for. . . and don't read this story right before bedtime.
"A Monkey's Paw" is in many anthologies, including "Black Water" which I'm reading with the Short Story Club.
July 17, 2024
🙈 Here is a horror story to totally creep you out. It has a sharp dark lesson to spin while the creeping is happening.
I realized after reading East of Eden that stories about murder and serial killers don’t interest me and after reading a lot of McMurtry that graphic slaughter and torture stories don’t interest me either. But I do like Poe (The Fall of the House of Usher, The Tell Tale Heart), Ambrose Bierce (Incident at Owl Creek Bridge) and Bram Stoker (Dracula), to name a few. And this one 🪦
I realized after reading East of Eden that stories about murder and serial killers don’t interest me and after reading a lot of McMurtry that graphic slaughter and torture stories don’t interest me either. But I do like Poe (The Fall of the House of Usher, The Tell Tale Heart), Ambrose Bierce (Incident at Owl Creek Bridge) and Bram Stoker (Dracula), to name a few. And this one 🪦
June 2, 2024
For its time period, one of the best horror shorts ever. No blood, no gore, just the intimation of walking dead and a shrivelled little monkey's paw that grants wishes in the worst type of evil genius fashion you could imagine.
It's like an O. Henry story gone dark.
First published in 1902, the story exudes the air of the Victorians interest in spiritualism, exotica and the curiosities of the far flung reaches of the British Empire. We also have the period trope of a grieving mother who throws all sense to the wind in the emotional desperation to see her son again.
While all of that doesn't hold water any more, the idea and saying of a 'monkey's paw' wish -- that is something you really want that turns out to be a curse -- is still with us.
(As a more modern interpretation, I was reminded of E. Annie Proulx's story "Dump Junk" about an old beat up copper kettle that is a monkey's paw in her collection Bad Dirt)
Read with the GR Short Story Club
It's like an O. Henry story gone dark.
First published in 1902, the story exudes the air of the Victorians interest in spiritualism, exotica and the curiosities of the far flung reaches of the British Empire. We also have the period trope of a grieving mother who throws all sense to the wind in the emotional desperation to see her son again.
While all of that doesn't hold water any more, the idea and saying of a 'monkey's paw' wish -- that is something you really want that turns out to be a curse -- is still with us.
(As a more modern interpretation, I was reminded of E. Annie Proulx's story "Dump Junk" about an old beat up copper kettle that is a monkey's paw in her collection Bad Dirt)
Read with the GR Short Story Club
July 26, 2020
"Alone. Yes, that's the key word, the most awful word in the English tongue. Murder doesn't hold a candle to it and hell is only a poor synonym."
-Stephen King
Speaking of which, do you know King's Pet Sematary is inspired from this story?
A classic horror story which on rereading made me highly nostalgic. When I read it the first time in 8th standard, despite the teacher's usual droning on the themes, it made an impression on my mind as something great and unusual. Actually kind of shaped my interest to "good" horror tales.
I tried hard to think of an exact category of the story: " A ghastly ghostly story without any ghosts" ...does that make any sense? On the positive aspects, the story is extremely well crafted, from the beginning to give you the much-needed sinister feeling, including the cozy warmth of the Laburnum Villa household. And the good thing is like many good tales you can just read it without worrying about delving into the themes, which is so typical for most. I didn't find anything out of the normal in the story, to tell the truth. Just a feel-good sense of foreboding, with a not-too-much-unexpected ending. The character portrayal is simply great like Jacobs' other tales.
Highly recommended, but please don't read the synopsis of the story before reading it. I don't think it's appropriate for any short tale anyway, but here the synopsis doesn't do a justice to the tale.
"No new horror can be more terrible than the daily torture of the commonplace."
-H.P.Lovecraft (Necronomicon: The Best Weird Tales)
-Stephen King
Speaking of which, do you know King's Pet Sematary is inspired from this story?
A classic horror story which on rereading made me highly nostalgic. When I read it the first time in 8th standard, despite the teacher's usual droning on the themes, it made an impression on my mind as something great and unusual. Actually kind of shaped my interest to "good" horror tales.
I tried hard to think of an exact category of the story: " A ghastly ghostly story without any ghosts" ...does that make any sense? On the positive aspects, the story is extremely well crafted, from the beginning to give you the much-needed sinister feeling, including the cozy warmth of the Laburnum Villa household. And the good thing is like many good tales you can just read it without worrying about delving into the themes, which is so typical for most. I didn't find anything out of the normal in the story, to tell the truth. Just a feel-good sense of foreboding, with a not-too-much-unexpected ending. The character portrayal is simply great like Jacobs' other tales.
Highly recommended, but please don't read the synopsis of the story before reading it. I don't think it's appropriate for any short tale anyway, but here the synopsis doesn't do a justice to the tale.
"No new horror can be more terrible than the daily torture of the commonplace."
-H.P.Lovecraft (Necronomicon: The Best Weird Tales)
October 19, 2016
You probably already know this story. A monkey's paw that can grant wishes but always at a horrible cost. Unfortunately, I can’t write any kind of synopsis without totally spoiling the story. In any case, it is a classic and highly influential supernatural horror story. If you are familiar with Stephen King’s much more horrifying Pet Sematary you will probably find that The Monkey's Paw is its direct inspiration.
Certainly The Monkey's Paw is a great little story but not particularly scary for today’s sensibilities. The hint at something unspeakable lurking behind a closed door just does not work anymore, to be honest, it never worked for me to begin with. If you got it flaunt it. For me, the (anti)climax of the story is a bit of a cop out. The author should have gone all the way and show us some messed up monstrosity that will drive the reader insane just from the description, but he pulled back at the last minute.
Still, it’s a nice and quick read with some good spooky atmosphere. An OK Halloween read I think. It probably seems terrifying a century ago.
Notes:
• Read The Monkey's Paw free online
• If you like spooky stories about wishes gone wrong check out Robert Louis Stevenson’s excellent The Bottle Imp .
Certainly The Monkey's Paw is a great little story but not particularly scary for today’s sensibilities. The hint at something unspeakable lurking behind a closed door just does not work anymore, to be honest, it never worked for me to begin with. If you got it flaunt it. For me, the (anti)climax of the story is a bit of a cop out. The author should have gone all the way and show us some messed up monstrosity that will drive the reader insane just from the description, but he pulled back at the last minute.
Still, it’s a nice and quick read with some good spooky atmosphere. An OK Halloween read I think. It probably seems terrifying a century ago.
Notes:
• Read The Monkey's Paw free online
• If you like spooky stories about wishes gone wrong check out Robert Louis Stevenson’s excellent The Bottle Imp .
June 27, 2024
3★
" 'What was that that you started telling me the other day about a monkey’s paw or something, Morris?'
'Nothing.' said the soldier quickly. 'At least, nothing worth hearing.'
'Monkey’s paw?' said Mrs. White curiously.
'Well, it’s just a bit of what you might call magic, perhaps,' said the Sergeant-Major, without first stopping to think.
His three listeners leaned forward excitedly. Deep in thought, the visitor put his empty glass to his lips and then set it down again. Mr. White filled it for him again.
'To look at it,' said the Sergeant-Major, feeling about in his pocket, 'it’s just an ordinary little paw, dried to a mummy.'
He took something out of his pocket and held it out for them. Mrs. White drew back with a look of disgust, but her son, taking it, examined it curiously.
'And what is there special about it?' asked Mr. White as he took it from his son, and having examined it, placed it upon the table.
'It had a spell put on it by an old fakir,' said the Sergeant-Major, 'a very holy man. He wanted to show that fate ruled people’s lives, and that those who tried to change it would be sorry. He put a spell on it so that three different men could each have three wishes from it.' "
This is a classic but the premise has been used in so many stories that I am reluctant to rate it, so I'll just put it somewhere in the middle. I have no idea when I first read this or stories like it, but it was one of the Short Story Club Group's selections, so I thought I'd share this link anyway.
It's free online, so have a read, and be reminded to be careful what you wish for.
https:
//www.
gutenberg.
org/ebooks/12122
" 'What was that that you started telling me the other day about a monkey’s paw or something, Morris?'
'Nothing.' said the soldier quickly. 'At least, nothing worth hearing.'
'Monkey’s paw?' said Mrs. White curiously.
'Well, it’s just a bit of what you might call magic, perhaps,' said the Sergeant-Major, without first stopping to think.
His three listeners leaned forward excitedly. Deep in thought, the visitor put his empty glass to his lips and then set it down again. Mr. White filled it for him again.
'To look at it,' said the Sergeant-Major, feeling about in his pocket, 'it’s just an ordinary little paw, dried to a mummy.'
He took something out of his pocket and held it out for them. Mrs. White drew back with a look of disgust, but her son, taking it, examined it curiously.
'And what is there special about it?' asked Mr. White as he took it from his son, and having examined it, placed it upon the table.
'It had a spell put on it by an old fakir,' said the Sergeant-Major, 'a very holy man. He wanted to show that fate ruled people’s lives, and that those who tried to change it would be sorry. He put a spell on it so that three different men could each have three wishes from it.' "
This is a classic but the premise has been used in so many stories that I am reluctant to rate it, so I'll just put it somewhere in the middle. I have no idea when I first read this or stories like it, but it was one of the Short Story Club Group's selections, so I thought I'd share this link anyway.
It's free online, so have a read, and be reminded to be careful what you wish for.
https:
//www.
gutenberg.
org/ebooks/12122
November 1, 2024
This is a short story that was written many, many years ago. In this one a married couple come across a device that grants three wishes. I think you can guess that things do not go well as we have all heard or read an allegory about be careful what you wish for.
I would like to give a little backstory about how this came across my radar as I believe it helped my enjoyment. I am in the fifth season of a rewatch of Buffy. I read that the episode "Forever" was influenced by this story so I had to try it. After reading this story I can see that influence. As for the story I thought the beginning was a little slow and off. Like I said this was written awhile ago and it shows. The characters were not fleshed out for me and I was not really interested. But when the twist happens...wow!!! I did not see it coming but I really should have. I feel for the characters in a similar way to the episode of the television show. The twist is obviously where the adage of "be careful of what you wish for" comes into play. Afterward this story deals with grief and how people cope with loss. My enjoyment skyrocketed with this and I applaud this story for dealing with this in such a short time frame.
For a quick read this hit me in the stomach. I like when I discover an older story because of something else and just one more reason why Buffy continues to be my all time favorite. As for the story it takes time to impact and I was worried because it is really short. But when it does the impact makes an impression that will stay with me for a long time.
I would like to give a little backstory about how this came across my radar as I believe it helped my enjoyment. I am in the fifth season of a rewatch of Buffy. I read that the episode "Forever" was influenced by this story so I had to try it. After reading this story I can see that influence. As for the story I thought the beginning was a little slow and off. Like I said this was written awhile ago and it shows. The characters were not fleshed out for me and I was not really interested. But when the twist happens...wow!!! I did not see it coming but I really should have. I feel for the characters in a similar way to the episode of the television show. The twist is obviously where the adage of "be careful of what you wish for" comes into play. Afterward this story deals with grief and how people cope with loss. My enjoyment skyrocketed with this and I applaud this story for dealing with this in such a short time frame.
For a quick read this hit me in the stomach. I like when I discover an older story because of something else and just one more reason why Buffy continues to be my all time favorite. As for the story it takes time to impact and I was worried because it is really short. But when it does the impact makes an impression that will stay with me for a long time.
December 2, 2017
I remember reading this story (or a slightly modernized version of it) as a child, and I'm happy to tell you after reading the original version of the story it is still as impressive and outstanding as I've remembered.
It's a peerless piece of short story, the elements of horror and suspense are used masterfully by the author, it's nearly impossible to add more words into the text nor taking words away from it without damaging the story---The Monkey's Paw is perfect as it is. No wonder it's a classic.
It's a peerless piece of short story, the elements of horror and suspense are used masterfully by the author, it's nearly impossible to add more words into the text nor taking words away from it without damaging the story---The Monkey's Paw is perfect as it is. No wonder it's a classic.
December 10, 2016
English review at the bottom
Una de esas historias que todos conocemos por su inclusión a la cultura pop en muchas formas pero que sigue causando una fascinación diferente cuando una se acerca a ella en su forma original.
La atmosfera logradaes fantastica, se presta a ser empatico con el hombre protagonista y con su esposa, esto logra que fácilmente el cuento sea aterrador la primera vez que lo lees (o lo escuchas a través de un buen narrador) aun cuando explicitamente no se nos describa lo que esta pasando, queda en el lector imaginar lo bueno o malo que puede ser lo que espera tras la puerta (basandonos en circunstancias anteriores concluyó que es algo horrible y el mundo debía temer lo que se avecinaba) por lo que nos enfrentamos, como el protagonista, a nuestra propia psique y finalmente nos reitera el conocido dicho "Ten cuidado con lo que deseas".
__________________________________
One of those stories that we all know for its inclusion in pop culture in many ways but that continues causing fascination when one approaches to the original form.
The atmosphere is fantastic, it lends itself to being empathetic with the protagonist and his wife, this makes the story easily frightening the first time you read it (or listen narrated by a good storyteller) even though it isn't explicitly to describe what is happening, it is left to the reader to imagine what good or bad may awaits behind the door (based on previous circumstances concluded that it is something horrible and the world should fear what was coming) so we face. As the protagonist, to our own psyche and finally we rejoice the well-known saying "Be careful with what you want".
Una de esas historias que todos conocemos por su inclusión a la cultura pop en muchas formas pero que sigue causando una fascinación diferente cuando una se acerca a ella en su forma original.
La atmosfera logradaes fantastica, se presta a ser empatico con el hombre protagonista y con su esposa, esto logra que fácilmente el cuento sea aterrador la primera vez que lo lees (o lo escuchas a través de un buen narrador) aun cuando explicitamente no se nos describa lo que esta pasando, queda en el lector imaginar lo bueno o malo que puede ser lo que espera tras la puerta (basandonos en circunstancias anteriores concluyó que es algo horrible y el mundo debía temer lo que se avecinaba) por lo que nos enfrentamos, como el protagonista, a nuestra propia psique y finalmente nos reitera el conocido dicho "Ten cuidado con lo que deseas".
__________________________________
One of those stories that we all know for its inclusion in pop culture in many ways but that continues causing fascination when one approaches to the original form.
The atmosphere is fantastic, it lends itself to being empathetic with the protagonist and his wife, this makes the story easily frightening the first time you read it (or listen narrated by a good storyteller) even though it isn't explicitly to describe what is happening, it is left to the reader to imagine what good or bad may awaits behind the door (based on previous circumstances concluded that it is something horrible and the world should fear what was coming) so we face. As the protagonist, to our own psyche and finally we rejoice the well-known saying "Be careful with what you want".
December 21, 2020
LA PATA DE MONO de W.W Jacobs
La historia se desarrolla en la casa del Sr. y la Sra. White y su hijo Herbert. Luego de un día como todos viene de visita un oficial inglés que estando en la India (fruto de misterio para el inglés de aquella época) habla de una pata de mono que parece tener poderes mágicos otorgados por un viejo faquir. La curiosidad que despertará este objeto será el inicio del devenir de la historia.
Este cuento es el primero que leo del autor, su estilo no me gustó, me pareció medio simplón (aunque en relatos de terror no es lo que más destaque en general), la trama tampoco me llegó a encantar, es un cuento de terror con acontecimientos macabros que desde luego tienen como objetivo más que todo crear el miedo y suspenso. Sí, desde luego hay un talento para mantener la tensión, pero he leído mejores libros en cuanto a este elemento y por ende no me alcanza para ponerle más puntuación. Trataré de leer más del autor para hacerme mejor idea.
La historia se desarrolla en la casa del Sr. y la Sra. White y su hijo Herbert. Luego de un día como todos viene de visita un oficial inglés que estando en la India (fruto de misterio para el inglés de aquella época) habla de una pata de mono que parece tener poderes mágicos otorgados por un viejo faquir. La curiosidad que despertará este objeto será el inicio del devenir de la historia.
Este cuento es el primero que leo del autor, su estilo no me gustó, me pareció medio simplón (aunque en relatos de terror no es lo que más destaque en general), la trama tampoco me llegó a encantar, es un cuento de terror con acontecimientos macabros que desde luego tienen como objetivo más que todo crear el miedo y suspenso. Sí, desde luego hay un talento para mantener la tensión, pero he leído mejores libros en cuanto a este elemento y por ende no me alcanza para ponerle más puntuación. Trataré de leer más del autor para hacerme mejor idea.
October 14, 2023
The Monkey’s Paw is a stone cold classic horror story. Like me, you might not be certain if you’ve actually read it before, or are just so familiar with the concept (which has been endlessly repackaged and reused) that it feels like you have. It is compact, taking you quickly from domestic comfort to shattering despair. It works all the old tropes — the stormy night outside the comfy home, the mysterious fakir with cursed spell, and the dread, ominous knock at the door. And most importantly, it efficiently taps in to our deepest fear — not monsters and ghosts, but that capricious fate will destroy our happiness in an instant and leave us feeling guilty for our own loss.
October 14, 2019
Not Quite So Happy Returns
There is this wise adage according to which the gods, if they want to punish you, make your wishes come true, and you might be hard put to find a short story which illustrates this saying more cleverly, and more concisely, than The Monkey’s Paw by William Wymark Jacobs.
Here, we see how the life of a harmless old couple is wrecked when a friend of the husband’s, who served as an officer in India, brings them a monkey’s paw which is said to carry a fakir’s curse:
The officer goes on by saying that he came into possession of the monkey’s paw when its first owner demanded death as his final wish. Now, this may already be enough to caution most sensible people against the talisman, but the officer’s act of throwing the paw into the fire and his weary reticence as to his own experience with the artefact should have been enough to make anyone stay clear of the shrivelled limb as of a Greek gift. The husband, encouraged by his son, however, salvages the monkey’s paw and entreats the officer to be allowed to keep it, an offer which his friend, though reluctantly, strangely grants. Modestly enough, their first wish is for 200 pounds, and soon disaster takes its course.
This story was undoubtedly an inspiration for Stephen King’s well-known novel Pet Sematary, but unlike King, Jacobs avoids grisly detail and graphic horror, instead leaving a lot to the imagination of his readers. This surely works in that we share the husband’s terror at the increasingly insistent raps on the bolted front door, while his distraught wife is keen on unbolting it. All in all, though, the story is probably a bit too short to really create the utmost effect, and one wonders what Maupassant or Poe could have made of it.
Nevertheless, it is most deservedly regarded as one of the classics of the horror genre, and it also reminds you to be careful of what you wish and work for, man’s own hands turning all too often, in their workings, into monkeys‘ paws.
There is this wise adage according to which the gods, if they want to punish you, make your wishes come true, and you might be hard put to find a short story which illustrates this saying more cleverly, and more concisely, than The Monkey’s Paw by William Wymark Jacobs.
Here, we see how the life of a harmless old couple is wrecked when a friend of the husband’s, who served as an officer in India, brings them a monkey’s paw which is said to carry a fakir’s curse:
“‘It had a spell put on it by an old fakir, […] a very holy man. He wanted to show that fate ruled people’s lives, and that those who interfered with it did so to their sorrow. He put a spell on it so that three separate men could each have three wishes from it.‘“
The officer goes on by saying that he came into possession of the monkey’s paw when its first owner demanded death as his final wish. Now, this may already be enough to caution most sensible people against the talisman, but the officer’s act of throwing the paw into the fire and his weary reticence as to his own experience with the artefact should have been enough to make anyone stay clear of the shrivelled limb as of a Greek gift. The husband, encouraged by his son, however, salvages the monkey’s paw and entreats the officer to be allowed to keep it, an offer which his friend, though reluctantly, strangely grants. Modestly enough, their first wish is for 200 pounds, and soon disaster takes its course.
This story was undoubtedly an inspiration for Stephen King’s well-known novel Pet Sematary, but unlike King, Jacobs avoids grisly detail and graphic horror, instead leaving a lot to the imagination of his readers. This surely works in that we share the husband’s terror at the increasingly insistent raps on the bolted front door, while his distraught wife is keen on unbolting it. All in all, though, the story is probably a bit too short to really create the utmost effect, and one wonders what Maupassant or Poe could have made of it.
Nevertheless, it is most deservedly regarded as one of the classics of the horror genre, and it also reminds you to be careful of what you wish and work for, man’s own hands turning all too often, in their workings, into monkeys‘ paws.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2020
Why is it important to be satisfied with what we have?
This story seems as a traditional horror story.. But it is a simple Philosphical story that remindes us :
How can curiosity be dangerous?
Is life controlled by fate or free will?
Why are people drawn to the unknown and magical possibilities?
Why is it important to think about consequences before taking an action?
This story seems as a traditional horror story.. But it is a simple Philosphical story that remindes us :
How can curiosity be dangerous?
Is life controlled by fate or free will?
Why are people drawn to the unknown and magical possibilities?
Why is it important to think about consequences before taking an action?
August 24, 2011
As a general rule of thumb (or paw), magical charms dished out by sombre old men are usually more trouble than they're worth. And if said sombre old man says "listen up folks, this thing will only get you into trouble and running around wishing for wealth and power will only end in tears", then it's probably best to listen. Literature has a well established tradition of morose old codgers who know what they're talking about... although since they seem to be the source of the charms they should probably heed their own advice and stop handing them out like buns at a bake sale.
As a vegetarian I am a fan of rabbits feet, monkey paws and foxes tails... but only if they remain attached to the animals in question. My gran has this creepy fox fur stole (posh old lady scarf) still complete with four legs, a tail and face. Eeeek! It's not cursed to the best of my knowledge (although presumably the fox was singularly unlucky in its own lifetime) but it is a creepy looking thing and the fur probably looked a lot better on the animal than draped around my grandmothers neck. I still avoid it now - it resides at the end of her bed for some inexplicable reason - and I'm 30 for gods sakes.
This short story is an excellent example of how things which are omitted from the text can be more scary than a bloody big gore-fest being described in mind boggling and nauseating detail.
For this to have full effect you should include the following details:
Creepy house at the end of the road - check
Strange and wise old traveller from abroad - check
Mangy dismembered animal limb with magical properties - check
Inappropriately thought out wish making - check
Ambiguous ending with possible zombie inference - check
For a less traditional take on lucky animal limbs check out this clip of Supernatural from the Bad Day at Black Rock Episode
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wfq2ty...
Any excuse to look at Jensen Ackles.
As a vegetarian I am a fan of rabbits feet, monkey paws and foxes tails... but only if they remain attached to the animals in question. My gran has this creepy fox fur stole (posh old lady scarf) still complete with four legs, a tail and face. Eeeek! It's not cursed to the best of my knowledge (although presumably the fox was singularly unlucky in its own lifetime) but it is a creepy looking thing and the fur probably looked a lot better on the animal than draped around my grandmothers neck. I still avoid it now - it resides at the end of her bed for some inexplicable reason - and I'm 30 for gods sakes.
This short story is an excellent example of how things which are omitted from the text can be more scary than a bloody big gore-fest being described in mind boggling and nauseating detail.
For this to have full effect you should include the following details:
Creepy house at the end of the road - check
Strange and wise old traveller from abroad - check
Mangy dismembered animal limb with magical properties - check
Inappropriately thought out wish making - check
Ambiguous ending with possible zombie inference - check
For a less traditional take on lucky animal limbs check out this clip of Supernatural from the Bad Day at Black Rock Episode
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wfq2ty...
Any excuse to look at Jensen Ackles.
July 11, 2020
Atmosférico e impactante. Genial la capacidad para poner la piel de gallina en tan pocas páginas.
June 11, 2024
Disturbometer: Hard to say..... it's blurry, I can't read it...
Number 8 in the "most disturbing short story ever written" series.
Well written short story that delivers on the premise suggested in its opening paragraphs: beware the lure of the monkey's paw, unless you have your wishes very, very well formulated!
The story is a variation on the "genie in a bottle who will grant you three wishes" trope, and if the story falls a little short of 4 or 5 stars, it's in the commonness of the basis that the story was built on, which unfortunately makes it slightly predictable. The first iteration of this story that I know of, is not the djinn, but of King Midas who wished for all he touched to turn to gold.
On the other hand, this particular story is well written, well-paced and atmospheric. Not bad at all for the time it was written (1902).
This might be a slight cop-out, but GR friend Cecily basically took the words out of my mouth and added to them, and since I simply cannot improve on what she said, I defer to her excellent review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For some amusing side remarks about stuffed or shriveled animal body-parts, I also refer to my friend Shovelmonkey's review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Number 8 in the "most disturbing short story ever written" series.
Well written short story that delivers on the premise suggested in its opening paragraphs: beware the lure of the monkey's paw, unless you have your wishes very, very well formulated!
The story is a variation on the "genie in a bottle who will grant you three wishes" trope, and if the story falls a little short of 4 or 5 stars, it's in the commonness of the basis that the story was built on, which unfortunately makes it slightly predictable. The first iteration of this story that I know of, is not the djinn, but of King Midas who wished for all he touched to turn to gold.
On the other hand, this particular story is well written, well-paced and atmospheric. Not bad at all for the time it was written (1902).
This might be a slight cop-out, but GR friend Cecily basically took the words out of my mouth and added to them, and since I simply cannot improve on what she said, I defer to her excellent review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
For some amusing side remarks about stuffed or shriveled animal body-parts, I also refer to my friend Shovelmonkey's review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,284 reviews