After reading the first story (no I didn't read them on order) my eyebrows raised in curiosity....but after the third, fourth and so on, a twisted Mills and Boon came to mind. I guess I had high expectations, it was also my first venture into erotic stories and I can cheerfully say it made me want to write my own! I'm sure some of the less adventurous would enjoy it but did nothing for me. The reworking of classic stories such as Goldilocks, Snow White just couldn't be sexy for me. That said, it was a breath of fresh air to read such eloquent language.I suspect the book would be great for either those with little experience or those whose experience is in the distant past.
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The stories in the book were just right in terms of length. Not too long as to be ponderous and heavy going, but just long enough to establish the characters and situation. I found it was a book that you could read a story a day from. Just look at the list of titles and read one that takes your fancy. One that caught my eye and sticks in my mind above the others is CAUGHT YOU by Primula Bond. That one has a particular ring to it because I heard a story very similar to that happening in real life.
A substantial book that will give a lot of entertainment, much recommended. Another book I can much recommend is FIVE MINUTE EROTICA by Carol Queen, and a new one, 100 PERCENT EROTICA by Suzie Van Aartman, which is an intriguing collection ... Read More:
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The version I read is in two parts: Part I is composed of 8 short stories based on Ukrainian folktales. All of the stories are weird, sport something of the macabre, are funny and insensibly wonderful. The Story of How Ivan Ivanovich Quarreled With Ivan Nikiforovich and The Night Before Christmas are favourites. Viy can easily be the inspiration for a horror movie. Some of these tales reminded me of Bulgakov though he came later. Part II is 7 stories set in St Petersburg. They are not as engaging and magical as part one but they do have spine-chilling twists too. The Nose is reminiscent of Kafka but again Kafka came later.
This was my first introduction to Gogol and he impresses mightily. This is gather around the candlelight storytelling ... Read More:
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As good as it gets: Merrison and Williams - surely the best radio Holmes and Watson - and four classic stories excellently adapted and produced.
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I remember Nancy Mitford's novels being read avidly by girls at school but I never got round to reading them until now. I am not sure what my teenage self would have made of them but I'm certainly glad that I've caught up with this extraordinary writer.
Although set in a time and society that is distant to most of us, there is an enchanting freshness and immediacy about these stories. They are simply buzzing with charm and wit. The first of the novels, "In Pursuit of Love", has its strength in the characterisation with two of the most hilarious but utterly believable characters I have ever encountered: the bluff Uncle Matthew and the marvellous "Bolter". Almost every line from these two is priceless. "Love in a Cold Climate" continues with ... Read More:
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This in my opinion is JOyces most accessible work. These ultra-realistic, almost dry stories of ordinary men and women and the para-extraordinary in each of their lives, is set in Dublin, circa 1900, and is one of those collections that shows a new side of itself on every reading.
There are wine enthusiasts who claim that certain vintages are wasted on those who fail to appreciate them. I'd never go that far in trying to restrict anyone from reading anything that's out there, but in Dubliners there is a certain sense that for those who have trained their minds to seek out the nuances hidden within literature, a great reward lies waiting.
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Before purchasing this book I had only been aquainted with Wodehouse's most famous characters Bertie Wooster and his stalwart man servant, Jeeves; and I must say that it was a pleasant suprise to be introduced to Reggie Pepper. His stories frolic in as much fun as Bertie's and he is a man who can think for himself (althought I do miss the perspicatious Jeeves standing in a corner ever ready to solve all the world's problems). With a mixture of Bertie, Jeeves and Reggie you're sure to have a jolly old time.
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Wow, I can't even put into words how good this book was, and so much better the second time around. The classic tale of Hester Pryne, forced to wear The Scarlet Letter as a sign to all of her adultery, but she refuses to name her lover who is then forced to bear his guilt in silence.
Enough reviewers have recounted the story better than I could. Suffice it to say I loved Hawthorne's prose, it was very dense and lyrical at the same time, and you have to pay close attention or you might have to backup and reread a paragraph or two. His descriptions of the scenery and people came alive, especially the character of young Pearl. And I very much enjoyed the scenes in the forest -- it was amazing how Hawthorne brought it all to life, even the sounds ... Read More:
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A sort of cross between A Clockwork Orange and The Wasp Factory; this was probably considered daring and probably well received for that reason on its publication in 1975. Macabre, and interesting mainly to see how McEwan has developed. It would be unreasonable to call this writing bad, it's just that it does not live up to the very high standards he set for himself later in Enduring Love and Atonement. Last Day of Summer, Homemade and Butterflies are the best of the stories here.
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A sort of cross between A Clockwork Orange and The Wasp Factory; this was probably considered daring and probably well received for that reason on its publication in 1975. Macabre, and interesting mainly to see how McEwan has developed. It would be unreasonable to call this writing bad, it's just that it does not live up to the very high standards he set for himself later in Enduring Love and Atonement. Last Day of Summer, Homemade and Butterflies are the best of the stories here.
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