Keep It Short #30 Me? Listen to Audio?! #34

I can't say that I've missed my Keep It Short feature as much as I've missed My Victorian Year. But. I did manage to listen to Christina Rossetti's Goblin Market at Librivox. I haven't listened to the rest of the poems from Goblin Market and Other Poems yet. But this poem--it's about twenty minutes in length--is a gem. I LOVE this poem so much.

You may read the poem in its entirety at Poetry Foundation.   It is about two sisters, Laura and Lizzie. And, of course, it features goblins selling forbidden fruit and other goodies. One sister is tempted beyond what she can stand, and, well, you should read it for yourself!

Morning and evening

Maids heard the goblins cry:

“Come buy our orchard fruits,

Come buy, come buy:

Apples and quinces,

Lemons and oranges,

Plump unpeck’d cherries,

Melons and raspberries,

Bloom-down-cheek’d peaches,

Swart-headed mulberries,

Wild free-born cranberries,

Crab-apples, dewberries,

Pine-apples, blackberries,

Apricots, strawberries;—

All ripe together

In summer weather,—

Morns that pass by,

Fair eves that fly;

Come buy, come buy:

Our grapes fresh from the vine,

Pomegranates full and fine,

Dates and sharp bullaces,

Rare pears and greengages,

Damsons and bilberries,

Taste them and try:

Currants and gooseberries,

Bright-fire-like barberries,

Figs to fill your mouth,

Citrons from the South,

Sweet to tongue and sound to eye;

Come buy, come buy.”

I enjoyed LISTENING to this one. I think poetry benefits from being read aloud. 

© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Keep It Short #29

This week I read a handful of short stories by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. 

"The Unexpected" (1890)

First sentence: "It is the unexpected which happens," says the French proverb. I like the proverb, because it is true--and because it is French.

Premise/proverb: A young artist finds the unexpected happening in his love life.

My thoughts: I liked this one for the most part. The narrator is a snobbish young man who loves all things French. He also loves DRAMA. And this story has plenty of drama. But the drama blends seamlessly into a comedy. Or somewhat seamlessly anyway!

"My Poor Aunt" (1891)

First sentence: "Belle," said my mother, in tones bordering on despair, "what shall I do with you?"

Premise/plot: Belle/Kate is on her way to becoming this generation's black sheep of the family. It is a good thing her 'poor Aunt' (the black sheep of her generation) shows up just in time to offer her refuge. Belle has never been so delighted to be herself and live life on her own terms.

My thoughts: I'm not sure the daughter's rebellion is all that rebellious. By modern terms she is just practicing common sense. Her mother is desperate for her to marry and she's picked out the somebody. The daughter doesn't want to marry someone she doesn't love, like, or even know. Is it such an odd idea that a woman could look out for herself and be independent?

This story is slightly confusing. The first sentence the daughter's name is implied to be Belle. Yet a few pages later she's called Kate. And at one point the text states that Aunt Kate has come to help her namesake niece. So if that's the case, why does the first sentence call her Belle?!

"The Yellow Wallpaper" (1892)

First sentence: It is very seldom that mere ordinary people like John and myself secure ancestral halls for the summer.

Premise/plot: A new mother takes a 'relaxing' vacation with her family. But the room where she's staying has unsettling YELLOW wallpaper. Did she arrive at the rented house mentally disturbed? Or did her illness come on slowly and surely over the course of weeks as she stays in this room?

My thoughts: "The Yellow Wallpaper" is a story I've encountered many times in my past in various college courses. It holds up well with my memory of it. It's a masterfully disturbing story. In just a few pages, Gilman creates an unforgettable narrator and some haunting scenes.

"Three Thanksgivings" (1909)

First sentence: Andrew's letter and Jean's letter were in Mrs. Morrison's lap. She had read them both, and sat looking at them with a varying sort of smile, now motherly and now unmotherly.

Premise/plot: A mother resists giving up her home and going to live with one of her children. Can she find a way to stay financially independent and in her own home? Can she prove to her children--and to her would-be suitor--that she is just fine on her own. Just how creative and resourceful can one determined woman be?!

My thoughts: Of the stories I've read so far this might be the most satisfying. It perhaps isn't as masterful or as memorable as 'The Yellow Wallpaper' but it is emotionally satisfying in a way the other is not because the woman IS a success. 

"Her Housekeeper" (1910)
First sentence: On the top floor of a New York boarding-house lived a particularly attractive woman who was an actress.

Premise/plot: Mrs. Leland has determined to never, ever, ever, ever marry again. She has her reasons. But one persistent wooer is willing to go above and beyond to prove that he loves her just as she is. Will she marry him?

My thoughts: I found this story to be entertaining. Mrs. Leland has her quirks particularly considering her times. In 1910, Mrs. Leland would have been a nonconformist at best and an immoral or loose woman at worst. She was all about her freedom and independence. And she loved to have many, many lovers. I'm not sure if lovers means sexual partners or just flattering suitors who lavished her with attention. Regardless of what Gilman meant, it would have been outside the image of propriety

"When I Was A Witch" (1910)
First sentence: If I had understood the terms of that one-sided contract with Satan, the Time of Witching would have lasted longer--you may be sure of that.

Premise/plot: This one is written in the first person. A woman has a really HORRIBLE day and starts making wishes that more resemble curses--if wishes had any power. She comes to find out that suddenly her cherished grudges--her wishes--do. But will this power last?

My thoughts: This comedy has plenty of drama...but even more so it has OPINIONS. Opinions on what is right and wrong with the world.


© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Keep It Short #28

I read two stories in Andrew Lang's Blue Fairy Book: Prince Darling and Blue Beard. I can't imagine two stories being more different from one another!

Prince Darling

First sentence:

ONCE upon a time there lived a king who was so just and kind that his subjects called him “the Good King.” It happened one day, when he was out hunting, that a little white rabbit, which his dogs were chasing, sprang into his arms for shelter. The King stroked it gently, and said to it:
“Well, bunny, as you have come to me for protection I will see that nobody hurts you.”
And he took it home to his palace and had it put in a pretty little house, with all sorts of nice things to eat.

Premise/plot: The good King has a not-so-good son whose worth will have to be tested before he can have his happily ever after. The 'bunny' his father saved was the fairy TRUTH. And TRUTH will do her best to guide the new king--the prince--when the time comes for him to reign. But will he be guided by the truth and rule wisely? OR will he become a selfish, cruel king who needs to be taught a lesson or two?

My thoughts: I really liked this one. It's for stories like this one that I keep reading.

Blue Beard
First sentence:

There was a man who had fine houses, both in town and country, a deal of silver and gold plate, embroidered furniture, and coaches gilded all over with gold. But this man was so unlucky as to have a blue beard, which made him so frightfully ugly that all the women and girls ran away from him.
One of his neighbors, a lady of quality, had two daughters who were perfect beauties. He desired of her one of them in marriage, leaving to her choice which of the two she would bestow on him. They would neither of them have him, and sent him backward and forward from one another, not being able to bear the thoughts of marrying a man who had a blue beard, and what besides gave them disgust and aversion was his having already been married to several wives, and nobody ever knew what became of them.
Blue Beard, to engage their affection, took them, with the lady their mother and three or four ladies of their acquaintance, with other young people of the neighborhood, to one of his country seats, where they stayed a whole week.

Premise/plot: Blue Beard may be ugly but this is no Beauty and the Beast or East of the Sun, West of the Moon.

My thoughts: This may be one of the most disturbing stories I've read so far. I don't particularly like horror stories--and this is a horror story. Would this latest wife of Bluebeard gotten a happily ever after with Bluebeard if she hadn't been so curious and disobeyed her husband? I doubt it. Obviously Bluebeard is a dark, twisted, violent soul. It would have just been a matter of time, in my opinion. Having the knowledge even just for a short time of who her husband really was probably gave her just enough time to contact her brothers and gotten HELP to get out.

 

© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Keep It Short #27

I read two tales this week from Andrew Lang's The Blue Fairy Book.

The Goose Girl

First sentence: Once upon a time an old queen, whose husband had been dead for many years, had a beautiful daughter. When she grew up she was betrothed to a prince who lived a great way off. Now, when the time drew near for her to be married and to depart into a foreign kingdom, her old mother gave her much costly baggage, and many ornaments, gold and silver, trinkets and knicknacks, and, in fact, everything that belonged to a royal trousseau, for she loved her daughter very dearly. She gave her a waiting-maid also, who was to ride with her and hand her over to the bridegroom, and she provided each of them with a horse for the journey. Now the Princess’s horse was called Falada, and could speak.
When the hour for departure drew near the old mother went to her bedroom, and taking a small knife she cut her fingers till they bled; then she held a white rag under them, and letting three drops of blood fall into it, she gave it to her daughter, and said: “Dear child, take great care of this rag: it may be of use to you on the journey.”


Premise/plot: A princess' happily ever after is put on hold when a maid revolts and demands to swap places with her. The princess--now dressed as a maid and in fear of her life--becomes a goose girl. the maid--now dressed as a princess and feeling quite smug--becomes a bride. But justice does prevail in the end. Even if things do NOT turn out well for the horse.

 My thoughts: I became familiar with this story because of Shannon Hale's novel adaptation of it.

Toads and Diamonds

First sentence: THERE was once upon a time a widow who had two daughters. The eldest was so much like her in the face and humor that whoever looked upon the daughter saw the mother. They were both so disagreeable and so proud that there was no living with them.
The youngest, who was the very picture of her father for courtesy and sweetness of temper, was withal one of the most beautiful girls ever seen. As people naturally love their own likeness, this mother even doted on her eldest daughter and at the same time had a horrible aversion for the youngest—she made her eat in the kitchen and work continually.


Premise/plot: You reap what you sow. The lovely younger daughter is rewarded for her kindness by a fairy. Every time she speaks diamonds, pearls, jewels come out. The older daughter with the rotten character is also rewarded by a fairy--for her attitude. Every time she speaks toads and snakes come out. There's no hiding her ugliness now.

My thoughts: I think I have read this one several times before. Though I didn't grow up with it, I think it's one of my new favorites.



© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Keep It Short #26

This week I read two tales from Andrew Lang's The Blue Fairy Book.

Hansel and Grettel

First sentence: Once upon a time there dwelt on the outskirts of a large forest a poor woodcutter with his wife and two children; the boy was called Hansel and the girl Grettel.

Premise/plot:  One day the children overhear their father and stepmother plotting together. The stepmother claims that great famine has driven her to this mad scheme: to lose the two children in the woods so that her and her husband won't starve as quickly. (Should he be worried that he's next?) Hansel comes up with a plan. But will that plan work indefinitely?

Can Hansel save Grettel? Can Grettel save Hansel? Will these two make it out of the woods alive?

My thoughts: This story doesn't really get less creepy no matter how many times you read it. And there are plenty of variations from storybook to storybook. Perhaps it was complete and total overlook on my part but I'd not noticed it was a stepmother and not a mother involved. I'd also never noticed the aid of a white duck who ferries them across--one at a time--a lake so they can return back home.

Last sentence: My story is done. See! there runs a little mouse; anyone who catches it may make himself a large fur cap out of it.

Can I just add, NO thanks.

Snow-White and Rose-Red

First sentence: A poor widow once lived in a little cottage with a garden in front of it, in which grew two rose trees, one bearing white roses and the other red. She had two children, who were just like the two rose trees; one was called Snow-white and the other Rose-red, and they were the sweetest and best children in the world, always diligent and always cheerful; but Snow-white was quieter and more gentle than Rose-red.

Premise/plot: Snow White and Rose Red live a good life but perhaps not a great life. But their luck might change after befriending a bear and welcoming it into their home.

My thoughts: I have read a novel adaptation of this one. But this is the first time I've read the original story. OR it's the first time as an adult blogger that I've read the story and can recall it. The length is just right for a fairy tale, but after reading the novel it feels short.

© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Keep It Short #25

This week I read two tales from Andrew Lang's Blue Fairy Book.

Little Thumb:
First sentence: There was, once upon a time, a man and his wife fagot-makers by trade, who had several children, all boys. The eldest was but ten years old, and the youngest only seven.

Premise/plot: The man and his wife decide to lose their seven children in the woods or forest. Lose them in such a way that they cannot find their way back home. But Little Thumb overhears the plotting and has a plan. He first uses pebbles along the path, and later breadcrumbs. The breadcrumbs do NOT work so well as pebbles. The children find themselves at the mercy of an ogre and his wife. Will Little Thumb think his way out of danger and save himself and his brothers?

My thoughts: This one was new to me though some of the themes were not.

The Forty Thieves:
First sentence: In a town in Persia there dwelt two brothers, one named Cassim, the other Ali Baba. Cassim was married to a rich wife and lived in plenty, while Ali Baba had to maintain his wife and children by cutting wood in a neighboring forest and selling it in the town. One day, when Ali Baba was in the forest, he saw a troop of men on horseback, coming toward him in a cloud of dust. He was afraid they were robbers, and climbed into a tree for safety. When they came up to him and dismounted, he counted forty of them. They unbridled their horses and tied them to trees. The finest man among them, whom Ali Baba took to be their captain, went a little way among some bushes, and said: “Open, Sesame!” so plainly that Ali Baba heard him.

Premise/plot: Knowing the robbers' secret brings DANGER into the lives of Cassim and Ali Baba....is the danger worth the riches it brings?!

My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed this one! Probably one of my favorites in a while. The book as a whole is mixed. Some stories I LOVE. Others are just okay for me. 

© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Keep It Short #24

I read two stories this week in the Blue Fairy Book.

The History of Whittington.

First sentence: Dick Whittington was a very little boy when his father and mother died; so little, indeed, that he never knew them, nor the place where he was born.

Premise/plot: This may be the ultimate rags-to-riches story. A poor boy makes his way to London, finds a position as a servant, copes with life's hardships as best he can...and with a little help from his cat...well his luck changes dramatically.

My thoughts: I am very familiar with this one. It is always a joy to revisit it though.

The Wonderful Sheep

First sentence: Once upon a time—in the days when the fairies lived—there was a king who had three daughters, who were all young, and clever, and beautiful; but the youngest of the three, who was called Miranda, was the prettiest and the most beloved.

Premise/plot: Miranda, the youngest princess, angers her father when she reveals her dream. For the record, he asked all his daughters what they dreamed the night before. Her honesty--that she saw the king giving her a cup of water on her sister's wedding day--angers him. Not just a little tantrum, but a gigantic one. He orders her to be killed. Talk about DRAMA.

Here's where the story gets disturbing--near nightmarish. He orders her killer to bring him her heart and tongue. Anyone with any amount of sense knows that the killer will let her go free....so where are the organs to be found.

I could sense trouble coming when the princess brings a black girl, a monkey, and a dog with her. (They do all have names.) This story is crazy-disturbing in that aspect because....it doesn't bode well at all. And it's graphically violent with a dash of racism thrown in. Along with animal cruelty.

So. After all sorts of blood is spilled....Miranda comes across some talking sheep. The leader of the sheep leads her underground into a spooky-crazy, topsy-turvy world where she becomes a queen of sorts. He does tell her of his enchantment....

At the end of all this weirdness....you should know it doesn't even end happily.   

My thoughts: Not a fan. 

© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Keep It Short #23

I read one fairy tale this week from the Blue Fairy Book.

The Story of Pretty Goldilocks.

First sentence: Once upon a time there was a princess who was the prettiest creature in the world.

 

Premise/plot: If you're looking for a bear or two, you'll be disappointed. Bears it has none, but there is a Prince Charming. Goldilocks is being pursued by a young KING who is madly in love with her. Though he won't go himself to do his own courting. The first messenger returns disappointed. The next messenger is CHARMING; he is a favorite of the king though he has his own enemies--men who envy him perhaps. Charming sets out to win Goldilocks for his king. On his way he saves three animals: a fish, an owl, a raven. Each is grateful and promises to help him in return one day. Goldilocks is still resistant to the King's offer. She puts Charming through a series of tests. As you might have guessed, Charming has some help and does in fact pass every test. Will Goldilocks marry the King or Charming himself?

 

My thoughts: I definitely enjoyed this one. It was a new-to-me fairy tale though it contained a few familiar elements within it. 

© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Keep It Short #22

This week I read two more stories in the Blue Fairy Book.

The Water-Lily. The Gold Spinners.
First sentence: Once upon a time, in a large forest, there lived an old woman and three maidens. They were all three beautiful, but the youngest was the fairest.

Premise/plot: Is the old woman who she seems to be or is she hiding a dark secret? Do these three maidens need to be rescued? Perhaps. The three maidens spend their days spinning gold flax into yarn. All day. Every day. They are kept in isolation from the outside world. Even when the old woman disappears on one of her trips, the three remain faithful in their work and following all the rules. All but the youngest who dares to be different. She doesn't go seeking a man...but when one stumbles upon their cottage....she's not going to ignore him either. Befriend him, she will--no matter the cost. The old woman will show her true colors...at last.

My thoughts: I liked it. I did. It was a new-to-me story.

The Terrible Head.
First sentence: Once upon a time there was a king whose only child was a girl. Now the King had been very anxious to have a son, or at least a grandson, to come after him, but he was told by a prophet whom he consulted that his own daughter's son should kill him.

Premise/plot: What won't a king do to protect himself from a prophecy about his own death? The prophecy is this: his own grandson will kill him. It appears he has two choices: keep his daughter and his future grandson close by, to ignore the prophecy, to love them as is only natural or right OR to lock up his daughter so that there isn't any chance for her to have a child. He can't--he won't--ignore the prophecy. So it's bad news for his daughter, the princess. But fate is on her side--not her fathers. As is evident again and again and again.

No man ever saw her, and she never saw even the fields and the sea, but only the sky and the sun, for there was a wide open window in the roof of the house of brass....So the Princess would sit looking up at the sky, and watching the clouds float across, and wondering whether she should ever get out of her prison. Now one day it seemed to her that the sky opened above her, and a great shower of shining gold fell through the window in the roof, and lay glittering in her room....Not very long after, the Princess had a baby, a little boy, but when the King her father heard of it he was very angry and afraid, for now the child was born that should be his death.

 After the birth of this grandson, the King decides that his daughter and grandson must be dealt with. He puts them in a brass chest and sends them floating out to sea. Surely they will die and that will be the end of it. He's found a way to live forever. Right?! Makes perfect sense.

They don't die, of course. And when he's old enough to be a man he does go on a quest. Not to kill his grandfather. Not intentionally anyway. He goes on a quest to bring back THE TERRIBLE HEAD of legend. A head that will turn anyone to stone who looks upon it.

My thoughts: So many elements of this one were familiar. I kept expecting the book to give credit where credit is due, to mention the Greek myths it is so clearly based on, but no that never happened. It essentially is the story of Perseus without any proper names of people or places.

© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Keep it Short #21

This week I read two fairy tales from The Blue Fairy Book.

Felicia and the Pot of Pinks.

First sentence: Once upon a time there was a poor laborer who, feeling that he had not much longer to live, wished to divide his possessions between his son and daughter, whom he loved dearly.

Premise/plot: Felicia's brother Bruno is BAD NEWS. He has no intention of treating his sister well. You would think--perhaps if this wasn't a fairy tale--that he wouldn't begrudge his sister a pot of pinks--a flower pot. I mean it makes a little sense to begrudge a silver ring. But a flower pot?!?!

Felicia has left her home to fetch water so she can water her pot of pinks. She meets someone unexpected on her way--the 'Queen of the Woods.' But when she returns her pot of pinks is GONE. In its place is a CABBAGE. Upon seeing the replacement, she is so upset that she hurls the cabbage out the window. Much to the cabbage's dismay! You see, this is a TALKING CABBAGE. Because of course that makes perfect sense! The next day, she makes amends to the offended cabbage and she learns what happened to her pot of pinks. BRUNO. Felicia is tempted to take revenge--on her brother's hen. Fortunately, the hen is a TALKING hen. And the hen is able to convince her that all is not as it seems. (Felicia should have suspected as much by now, right?!)

Who is Felicia really? And will she get her pot of pinks back? If I've intrigued you, you can read what happens next. 

My thoughts: I really enjoyed this one! 

The White Cat

First sentence: Once upon a time there was a king who had three sons, who were all so clever and brave that he began to be afraid that they would want to reign over the kingdom before he was dead.

Premise/plot:  The youngest son has the BEST adventure in this fairy tale. So the king, I believe, eventually gives his three sons three TASKS or three TESTS to see who will be his heir. The tests are whimsical, almost nonsensical in nature. Find me the most beautiful dog. Find me a piece of muslin so fine that it could be drawn through the eye of a needle. Bring home the loveliest princess. The last request makes a little bit of sense. The other two, not so much. Each task is given a full year to complete. So this story spans three full years!

As I said, the youngest son has the BEST story. On his journey, he comes across a mysterious castle with a LOVELY mistress--a white cat. He is CHARMED and DELIGHTED and completely CAPTIVATED. He forgets himself--literally. But the White Cat is always ready to help. She sends him back to the king with--you guessed it--the littlest dog, the finest piece of muslin, and the loveliest princess.

My thoughts: I loved, loved, LOVED, LOVED this story. Why did no one tell me about this fairy tale?!?! What other tales have I been missing out on?!



© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Keep It Short #20

I read two fairy tales from The Blue Book this week.

Why the Sea is Salt.
First sentence: Once upon a time, long, long ago, there were two brothers, the one rich and the other poor.

Premise/plot: This one begins on Christmas Eve. The 'poor' brother begs the 'rich' brother for food. The rich brother begrudgingly gives him a ham--not a ham to eat, but a ham to sell. This is implied, I think. The rich man told the brother to take the ham to 'Dead Man's Hall.' On his way, the poor brother meets an old man. The old man gives advice. EVERYONE will want to buy the ham, but only agree to sell if if you can get the hand-mill behind the door. That is some very specific advice. But it's advice the poor man is willing to take. He returns to the old man--whom we now learn is an old woodcutter--and he teaches the poor man how to use the hand-mill. This is the most important aspect of the story--how to properly use the magical hand-mill.

The poor man's life changes with the hand-mill in his life. And the rich brother gets jealous. He NEEDS the hand-mill. It changes hands--for money. But the rich brother doesn't ask for instructions--and regrets it! The hand-mill changes hands again--for money. The poor brother gets paid to take it back!

The hand-mill changes hands one more time...this time to a skipper. Again the instructions are not passed along. We're told that the skipper is afraid the poor man would change his mind and so he rushed away to his boat. This time the hand-mill is asked to grind SALT. But with no instructions on how to stop it...well...you can see why the sea is salt.

My thoughts: What a super-fun story. If I have read this one before, I've completely forgotten it. I have read stories like it. I seem to remember a magical pot or kettle? Anyway, I'd recommend this one!

The Master Cat; or, Puss in Boots
First sentence: There was a miller who left no more estate to the three sons he had than his mill, his ass, and his cat.

Premise/plot: The youngest son is upset that his legacy is a cat. He thinks that the other brothers are better off. But is that true?! No, not really. The cat is a talking cat. And he wants to be a well-dressed cat at that. If he trusts this cat, then his fortunes might change completely. And with very little effort on his part.

The Cat, who heard all this, but made as if he did not, said to him with a grave and serious air: "Do not thus afflict yourself, my good master. You have nothing else to do but to give me a bag and get a pair of boots made for me that I may scamper through the dirt and the brambles, and you shall see that you have not so bad a portion in me as you imagine."

Monsieur Puss came at last to a stately castle, the master of which was an ogre, the richest had ever been known; for all the lands which the King had then gone over belonged to this castle. 
"I have been assured," said the Cat, "that you have the gift of being able to change yourself into all sorts of creatures you have a mind to; you can, for example, transform yourself into a lion, or elephant, and the like."
"That is true," answered the ogre very briskly; "and to convince you, you shall see me now become a lion." Puss was so sadly terrified at the sight of a lion so near him that he immediately got into the gutter, not without abundance of trouble and danger, because of his boots, which were of no use at all to him in walking upon the tiles. A little while after, when Puss saw that the ogre had resumed his natural form, he came down, and owned he had been very much frightened.
"I have been, moreover, informed," said the Cat, "but I know not how to believe it, that you have also the power to take on you the shape of the smallest animals; for example, to change yourself into a rat or a mouse; but I must own to you I take this to be impossible."
"Impossible!" cried the ogre; "you shall see that presently." And at the same time he changed himself into a mouse, and began to run about the floor. Puss no sooner perceived this but he fell upon him and ate him up.    

My thoughts: I enjoyed this one too!

© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Keep It Short #19

I read two fairy tales from The Blue Fairy Book this week.

Beauty and the Beast
First sentence: Once upon a time, in a very far-off country, there lived a merchant who had been so fortunate in all his undertakings that he was enormously rich.

Premise/plot: A man has three sons and three daughters. But of all his children, there is no one so good, so kind, so wonderful as his youngest daughter nicknamed Beauty. He faces increasing hardships, but Beauty never loses heart or hope. There comes a time when he sets out with new hope: perhaps one of his ships wasn't lost, perhaps one of his cargo ships made it home with loads of treasures, perhaps the family's fortune can be partially restored. But it's not to be. ON his way home from that disappointment, he stumbles across a magnificent castle where his every need is anticipated and every comfort given. He presumes upon his host's goodness. After all, if his host has provided him food, shelter, warmth, who would begrudge him one rose? But it's a presumption all the same. The host--a beast--demands the man give him one of his daughters. Beauty finds herself 'the one' to go.

Beauty finds the Beast to be good and kind but also persistent. Every night he proposes to her. Every night she says no. Every night she dreams of a WONDERFUL prince.

Will Beauty and the Beast find their happily ever after together?

My thoughts: I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this story. It is without a doubt my favorite and best fairy tale.

THE MASTER-MAID
First sentence: Once upon a time there was a king who had many sons. I do not exactly know how many there were, but the youngest of them could not stay quietly at home, and was determined to go out into the world and try his luck, and after a long time the King was forced to give him leave to go.

Premise/plot: A prince takes a job as a giant's servant. But does the giant have good intentions? Or is his life in danger? Will he survive this adventure? Perhaps he will with the intervention of the giant's master-maid. She reveals just how to do the tasks the giant gives him. These are simple sounding tasks that are really super-dangerous and near-impossible. When the time to escape comes--and it does--he takes her with him. But will they live happily ever after?

My thoughts: I definitely liked this one. It was a new-to-me story. 

© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Keep It Short #18

I read several fairy tales this week. I read "The Tale of a Youth Who Set Out to Learn What Fear Was" and "Rumpelstiltzkin."

The Tale of a Youth Who Set Out to Learn What Fear Was

First sentence: A father had two sons, of whom the eldest was clever and bright, and always knew what he was about; but the youngest was stupid, and couldn’t learn or understand anything. So much so that those who saw him exclaimed: “What a burden he’ll be to his father!”





Premise/plot: A young boy thinks that learning what fear is -- what it is to shudder -- will be the means to his making a living. His father thinks he's an absolute idiot. Who is proved right?




My thoughts: I HATED this story. Perhaps hate is too strong a word. But this is one of those stories where I WANTED MY TIME BACK. The sad thing? I knew the story was stupid before I began it. I'd read it before and remembered disliking it. But my stubbornness is rigid: I do not skip stories. If I set out to read a book, I READ a book. Now, I do want to add that I don't hold others to my rules.



Rumpelstiltzkin.

First sentence: There was once upon a time a poor miller who had a very beautiful daughter. Now it happened one day that he had an audience with the King, and in order to appear a person of some importance he told him that he had a daughter who could spin straw into gold.

Premise/plot: All magic comes with a price. Can a young woman outwit her former savior?

My thoughts: I LOVE this one. Do I love it because of Once Upon A Time?! I don't know if I love it *only* because of Once Upon A Time. But certainly Robert Carlyle's performance as Rumple and Mr. Gold has influenced me greatly.

It is easy to skim over this one without giving it much thought. Familiarity with it only makes it all that much easier to read deeply and thoughtfully. But this one has some despicable characters.

The father. What right did he have to use his daughter for his own advantage? To boast, to scheme, to lie, to try to gain favor and esteem. Of course, history shows this to be the norm for centuries. Daughters are property of their fathers. They become the property of their husbands.

The king. He's arrogant, greedy, selfish. I could overlook his greed--to a certain extent--IF he didn't threaten her life if she didn't succeed. He may have a kingdom, but is he a prize of a husband? How could she forget his threats?

The 'little man'. Is he despicable? Yes. No. Maybe. Probably. He is more than willing to help her--for a price. There is always, always a price to be paid for his magic. Three times he is her savior. Yet it costs her something each time: a necklace, a ring, a promise. She doesn't regret the necklace or the ring. Not for a minute. After all, what are they to her in the great scheme of things?! But the third--the promise of her firstborn child--that is a heavy, heavy price to expect anyone to pay. What would he have done with a child? Did he want it for himself? Did he want to raise it? Was his statement true that he valued LIVING creatures more than gold and treasure?

© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Keep it Short #17

I finished L.M. Montgomery's Short Stories 1909-1922. I was able to read one fairy tale from The Blue Fairy Book. I read "Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp."

Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp

First sentence: There once lived a poor tailor, who had a son called Aladdin, a careless, idle boy who would do nothing but play ball all day long in the streets with little idle boys like himself.

Premise/plot: A young Aladdin is fooled by a wicked African magician masquerading as his long-lost uncle. His "uncle" needs him to get his hands on special treasure. He is seeking a lamp. Of course, his plans are ultimately foiled. Aladdin ends up with a magical ring and a magical lamp. Through these magical items his life is forever changed. And for a time his happiness seems perfectly secured and unchallenged. Until the magician figures out that Aladdin is alive and using the lamp. Aladdin will have to fight for his happy ending after all...

My thoughts: The original fairy tale barely resembles the Disney plot. In fact, the only things the story has in common with the Disney story is the name Aladdin, and the fact that the lamp has a genie. (The genie doesn't have a limit on how many wishes it can grant.)

 I liked this story.

© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Keep It Short #16

This week I read two L.M. Montgomery short stories.

The Romance of Jedediah.

First sentence: Jedediah was not a name that savoured of romance. His last name was Crane, which is little better. And it would be no use to call this story "Mattie Adams's Romance" because Mattie Adams is not a romantic name either.

Premise/plot: Jedediah is a tin peddler. He's new to the job. He decides to pay a call at the home of his old sweetheart never dreaming that she'd still be living there after all those years. She invites him in. He accepts. The neighbors begin to talk--as neighbors do in Montgomery's stories. Will their romance be rekindled?

My thoughts: I definitely liked this one!

Quotes:

Romance cares not for appearances and apparently delights in contradictions. The homely shambling man you pass unnoticed on the street may have, tucked away in his past, a story more exciting and thrilling than anything you have ever read in fiction.

"What a fool you are, Jed Crane," he told himself. "You used to be a young fool, and now you're an old one. Sad, that! Get up, my nag, get up. It's a poor lookout for a man of your years, Jed. Don't get excited. It ain't the least likely that Mattie Adams is here yet. She's married and gone years ago, no doubt. It's probable there's no Adamses here at all now. But it's romantic, yes, it's romantic. It's splendid. Get up, my nag, get up."

When Selena had come over Mattie had not the slightest idea of resuming her former relationship with the romantic Jedediah. She had merely shown him kindness for old friendship's sake. But so well did the unconscious Selena work in Jed's behalf that when she flounced off home in a pet Mattie was resolved that she would take Jed back if he wanted to come. She wasn't going to put up with Selena's everlasting interference. She would show her that she was independent.

"Well, this is romance. What else would you call it now? Me, poor, scared to speak—and Mattie ups and does it for me, bless her. Yes, I've been longing for romance all my life, and I've got it at last. None of your commonplace courtships for me, I always said. Them was my very words. And I guess this has been a little uncommon—I guess it has. Anyhow, I'm uncommon happy. I never felt so romantic before. Get up, my nag, get up."

The Tryst of the White Lady

 

First sentence: "I wisht ye'd git married, Roger," said Catherine Ames.

Premise/plot: Does Roger fall in love with a ghost? A beautiful, impossible to obtain phantom? An old family haunt? Roger definitely is in love--or at the very least in love with love--by the end of the story. But who is the mystery girl?

My thoughts:  This is a strange story. But at least the girl is real enough.

© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Keep It Short #15

This week I read three L.M. Montgomery short stories.

The Life-Book of Uncle Jesse.
First sentence: Uncle Jesse! The name calls up the vision of him as I saw him so often in those two enchanted summers at Golden Gate; as I saw him the first time, when he stood in the open doorway of the little low-eaved cottage on the harbour shore, welcoming us to our new domicile with the gentle, unconscious courtesy that became him so well.

Premise/plot: A rehearsal piece for Anne's House of Dreams. In this one, a young woman befriends a retired sea captain whose written down--in bits and pieces--his life story. It's full of adventure, drama, and heartache. He needs a writer to polish it up and make it a 'real' book. With a little help, he finds such an author and he gets to see the book published before he dies with a smile on his face.

My thoughts: This is the second 'rehearsal' for one of my favorite characters.

Quotes:

His tales were all literally true, and Uncle Jesse had the gift of the born story-teller, whereby "unhappy, far-off things" can be brought vividly before the hearer and made to live again in all their pristine poignancy.

A man can't pick his time for dying, Mary—jest got to go when the Captain gives his sailing orders. But if I could I'd go out when the morning comes in there at the Gate. I've watched it a many times and thought what a thing it would be to pass out through that great white glory to whatever was waiting beyant, on a sea that ain't mapped out on any airthly chart. I think, Mary, I'd find lost Margaret there."

The Little Black Doll

First sentence: Everybody in the Marshall household was excited on the evening of the concert at the Harbour Light Hotel—everybody, even to Little Joyce, who couldn't go to the concert because there wasn't anybody else to stay with Denise. 

 

Premise/plot: Joyce is being raised by her grandmother. She is not her grandmother's favorite; in fact, her grandmother has little affection for her. Joyce is nursing 'the French girl' Denise who is dying. Denise's 'dying' wish is to hear Madame Laurin sing. Of course, she cannot go to the concert. But can Joyce convince Madame Laurin to come to their house and sing?! She's heard that the famed singer LOVES to collect dolls and her 'little black doll' is one of a kind--a find from an Egyptian tomb.

 

My thoughts: Joyce gets a chance to shine in this one. It was okay for me. But it wasn't a WOW that is the best short story ever reaction either.

 

The Man on the Train

First sentence: When the telegram came from William George, Grandma Sheldon was all alone with Cyrus and Louise. And Cyrus and Louise, aged respectively twelve and eleven, were not very much good, Grandma thought, when it came to advising what was to be done. Grandma was "all in a flutter, dear, oh dear," as she said. 

 

Premise/plot: GRANDMA stays a-flutter in this amusing short story. She travels by train and is a bundle of nerves especially at the start--because you never know WHO you might meet on a train. But at one point she takes to a stranger. She talks his ear off essentially. He listens, but doesn't contribute much. But he is friendly enough to pay for her ticket--when her own gets lost--and to make sure she arrives safely to her destination (a family member's house). It isn't until a few days later that she learns WHO she met on a train.

 

My thoughts: Enjoyed this one very much!!!

"I shall fall and break my neck getting off the train," said Grandma pessimistically. But she was wondering at the same time whether she had better take the black valise or the yellow, and whether William George would be likely to have plenty of flaxseed in the house.

Why, she was just as comfortable as if she were in her own rocking chair at home! And there was such a lot of people to look at, and many of the ladies had such beautiful dresses and hats.

After all, the people you met on a train, thought Grandma, are surprisingly like the people you meet off it. If it had not been for wondering how she would get off at Green Village, Grandma would have enjoyed herself thoroughly.

© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Keep It Short #14

This week I read two L.M. Montgomery short stories.

The Gossip of Valley View
First sentence: It was the first of April, and Julius Barrett, aged fourteen, perched on his father's gatepost, watched ruefully the low descending sun, and counted that day lost.

Premise/plot: Julius Barrett starts a rumor that Adelia Williams and Young Thomas Everett are getting married. He tells it to the ever-serious Dan Chester. Because the source of the story is Dan, EVERYONE in town believes it. How will the gossip impact the lives of Thomas and Adelia?!?!

Quotes:

Young Thomas was a confirmed bachelor of fifty, and Adelia Williams was forty; they were not supposed to be even well acquainted, as the Everetts and the Williamses had never been very friendly, although no open feud existed between them.

Young Thomas laughed his big jolly laugh. Valley View gossip had been marrying him off for the last thirty years, although never before to Adelia Williams.

Young Thomas looked rather serious, however, when the minister and his wife called that evening and referred to the report. Young Thomas gravely said that it was unfounded. The minister looked graver still and said he was sorry—he had hoped it was true. His wife glanced significantly about Young Thomas's big, untidy sitting-room, where there were cobwebs on the ceiling and fluff in the corners and dust on the mop-board, and said nothing, but looked volumes.

Next Sunday in church Young Thomas looked at Adelia Williams. He caught Adelia looking at him. Adelia blushed and looked guiltily away. "Dang it all," reflected Young Thomas, forgetting that he was in church. "I suppose she has heard that fool story too. I'd like to know the person who started it; man or woman, I'd punch their head." Nevertheless, Young Thomas went on looking at Adelia by fits and starts, although he did not again catch Adelia looking at him.

If wedding presents were beginning to come, it was high time something was done. The matter was past being a joke. This affair of the present would certainly get out—things always got out in Valley View, dang it all—and he would never hear the last of it.

"I've been kind of supposing that you must be going to marry somebody, and folks just guessed it was me," said Young Thomas—he said it anxiously. "No, I'm not going to be married to anybody," said Adelia with a laugh, taking up her knitting. "I'm glad of that," said Young Thomas gravely. "I mean," he hastened to add, seeing the look of astonishment on Adelia's face, "that I'm glad there isn't any other man because—because I want you myself, Adelia."

My thoughts: I LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this one. It was satisfying in every way!!!!!

The Letters
First sentence: Just before the letter was brought to me that evening I was watching the red November sunset from the library window. It was a stormy, unrestful sunset, gleaming angrily through the dark fir boughs that were now and again tossed suddenly and distressfully in a fitful gust of wind. Below, in the garden, it was quite dark, and I could only see dimly the dead leaves that were whirling and dancing uncannily over the roseless paths.

Premise/plot: Isobel is mourning the loss of her father--her only family, I believe--when she receives an unexpected letter. With that letter comes HOPE.

My thoughts: I loved and adored this story. Readers can guess early on WHO is writing the letters. But the contents of the letters are so wonderful that it's just a beautiful, satisfying, romantic story.

It was three weeks since Father had died—my proud, handsome, unrelenting old father, whom I had loved so intensely and who had never loved me. I had always accepted this fact unresentfully and unquestioningly, but it had steeped my whole life in its tincture of bitterness.

Father had never forgiven me for two things. I had cost my mother's life and I was not a son to perpetuate the old name and carry on the family feud with the Frasers.

I only knew that I grew older and that it did not matter since there was nobody to care.

After that every week brought me a letter; soon those letters were the greatest interest in my life. I had given up all attempts to solve the mystery of their coming and was content to enjoy them for themselves alone. From week to week I looked forward to them with an eagerness that I would hardly confess, even to myself.

Well, everybody has, or should have, a pet nonsense in her life. I did not think mine was any sillier than some others I knew, and to myself I admitted that it was very sweet. I knew if those letters ceased to come all savour would go out of my life.

I felt as if I were being drawn into the writer's life, admitted into the most sacred recesses of his thoughts and feelings. Yet it was all done so subtly, so delicately, that I was unconscious of the change until I discovered it in reading over the older letters and comparing them with the later ones.

From the first letter:

The pain and suffering of the world never dies, and while it lives there will be work for such as you to do, and in the doing of it you will find comfort and strength and the highest joy of living. I believe in you. I believe you will make of your life a beautiful and worthy thing. I give you Godspeed for the years to come. Out of my own loneliness I, an unknown friend, who has never clasped your hand, send this message to you. I understand—I have always understood—and I say to you: "Be of good cheer."

© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Keep It Short #13

This week I read two L.M. Montgomery short stories.

The Garden of Spices
First sentence: Jims tried the door of the blue room. Yes, it was locked. He had hoped Aunt Augusta might have forgotten to lock it; but when did Aunt Augusta forget anything?

Premise/plot: Jims (James Brander Churchill) is being raised by his Uncle Walter and his Half-Aunt Augusta. (Augusta is Walter's half-sister). He's having a rough time of it. Aunt Augusta doesn't understand little boys and their ways. Uncle Walter is too busy doctoring to notice that Jims isn't happy. He's punished by being locked in the blue room. But one day, tempted by a Very Handsome Cat, Jims trys the window and escapes. He makes a friend--the cat and its owner, Miss Avery. Jims loves, loves, loves his new friends--though they remain a secret for a while. Will he get his happily ever after ending?

My thoughts: WHAT A GREAT STORY. I enjoyed it very much.

• Whole aunts probably had more convenient memories.
• Jims hated being shut up alone—especially in the blue room. Its bigness and dimness and silence filled his sensitive little soul with vague horror. Sometimes he became almost sick with fear in it. To do Aunt Augusta justice, she never suspected this. If she had she would not have decreed this particular punishment, because she knew Jims was delicate and must not be subjected to any great physical or mental strain. That was why she shut him up instead of whipping him. But how was she to know it? Aunt Augusta was one of those people who never know anything unless it is told them in plain language and then hammered into their heads.
• Jims did not feel quite so frightened as usual because he was very angry. As he put it, he was very mad at Aunt Augusta. He hadn't meant to spill his pudding over the floor and the tablecloth and his clothes; and how such a little bit of pudding—Aunt Augusta was mean with desserts—could ever have spread itself over so much territory Jims could not understand.
• The cat, having lured Jims to where he wanted him, sat down and began to lick his paws. He was quite willing to be caught now; but Jims had no longer any idea of catching him. He stood very still, looking at the lady. She did not see him then and Jims could only see her profile, which he thought very beautiful. She had wonderful ropes of blue-black hair wound around her head. She looked so sweet that Jims' heart beat.
• "I like cats," explained Jims, "and I have nothing but a gobbler. This is such a Very Handsome Cat. What is his name, please?" "Black Prince. He loves me," said the lady. "He always comes to my bed in the morning and wakes me by patting my face with his paw. He doesn't mind my being ugly."
• "But you are not ugly," he said. "Oh, I am ugly—I am ugly," she cried. "Just look at me—right at me. Doesn't it hurt you to look at me?" Jims looked at her gravely and dispassionately. "No, it doesn't," he said. "Not a bit," he added, after some further exploration of his consciousness.
• "We'll just be chums, Jims," she said. "That's really better than being relations, after all. Come and have tea."
• There was such a lot of good things on the table and nobody to say "You have had enough, James." James ate until he thought he had enough.
• Jims, two hours ago I didn't know there was such a person in the world as you—and now I love you—I love you."
• Jims' heart filled with a great warm gush of gladness. He had always wanted to be loved. And no living creature, he felt sure, loved him, except his gobbler—and a gobbler's love is not very satisfying, though it is better than nothing. 
• How they loved each other, those two! And how they understood each other!
• To love is easy, and therefore common; but to understand—how rare that is!

 The Girl and the Photograph
First sentence: When I heard that Peter Austin was in Vancouver I hunted him up. I had met Peter ten years before when I had gone east to visit my father's people and had spent a few weeks with an uncle in Croyden.

Premise/plot: A young man falls in love in this L.M. Montgomery story. Readers learn about his early visit and how he met a mystery woman in the woods. He fell in LOVE with her at first sight. But he never spoke with her, never learned her name. It's like she's a figment of his imagination. It's been years later--perhaps a decade--and now he's back visiting. Can he find her again? Does he want to? Or is there perhaps someone else for him to fall in love with. Perhaps the girl in the photograph that is in his friend's room?

My thoughts:  The man takes a photograph, tries to find out who the girl is, obtains permission to write her, and after a long correspondence decides to propose. But who IS the girl in the photograph?

This story is VERY silly. But it's pleasant enough.

© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Keep It Short #12

This week I read three L.M. Montgomery stories.

Robert Turner's Revenge
First sentence: When Robert Turner came to the green, ferny triangle where the station road forked to the right and left under the birches, he hesitated as to which direction he would take.

Premise/plot: Robert Turner has waited his whole life to get revenge on a childhood enemy. Will he changes his mind when he realizes that the person he'll be hurting most is his former sweetheart?

My thoughts: It was just okay for me.

The Fillmore Elderberries:
 First sentence: "I expected as much," said Timothy Robinson. His tone brought the blood into Ellis Duncan's face. The lad opened his lips quickly, as if for an angry retort, but as quickly closed them again with a set firmness oddly like Timothy Robinson's own.

Premise/plot: Ellis Duncan's father has died. Ellis finds it a real struggle to get work since he's a boy--not a "man" and since his father was known for his laziness. Fair or not, Ellis is going to have to prove himself to his community if he is to make it. And prove himself he does when he tackles a difficult job--clearing a pasture of elderberries/elders.

My thoughts: I liked this one so much better than Robert Turner's Revenge.

The Finished Story
First story: She always sat in a corner of the west veranda at the hotel, knitting something white and fluffy, or pink and fluffy, or pale blue and fluffy—always fluffy, at least, and always dainty. Shawls and scarfs and hoods the things were, I believe. When she finished one she gave it to some girl and began another. Every girl at Harbour Light that summer wore some distracting thing that had been fashioned by Miss Sylvia's slim, tireless, white fingers.

Premise/plot: Miss Sylvia stars in this short story. She is a magnet for young people. And young people love to tell her stories. One young man is a writer who shares a story he's hoping to have published. In the story, a young man goes away from his lover without declaring his love for her. He thinks it's nobler that way since they can never be together. Miss Sylvia is opinionated. Can she change his mind?

My thoughts: This one is definitely my favorite of the three.

But one evening, when I had known her a month, as time is reckoned, and long years as affection and understanding are computed, she told me her story—at least, what there was to tell of it. The last chapter was missing.

I was reading one of my stories to Miss Sylvia. In my own excuse I must allege that she tempted me to do it. I did not go around with manuscripts under my arm, inflicting them on defenceless females. But Miss Sylvia had discovered that I was a magazine scribbler, and moreover, that I had shut myself up in my room that very morning and perpetrated a short story. Nothing would do but that I read it to her.

© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews

Keep it Short #11

This week I read three short stories by L.M. Montgomery.

Jessamine
First sentence: When the vegetable-man knocked, Jessamine went to the door wearily. She felt quite well acquainted with him. He had been coming all the spring, and his cheery greeting always left a pleasant afterglow behind him.

Premise/plot: Jessamine never expected to fall in love with anyone, but love knocks at her door one day. He's the nephew of her regular vegetable-man, Mr. Bell.

 My thoughts: I enjoyed this one! Jessamine, our heroine, lives with her brother and his snooty wife. But she longs for the country life she was forced to leave. I am so glad she got her happily ever after ending!

Miss Sally's Letter
First sentence: Miss Sally peered sharply at Willard Stanley, first through her gold-rimmed glasses and then over them.

Premise/plot: Willard Stanley is madly in love with Miss Sally's niece, Joyce. But Miss Sally has sworn that she would never, ever, ever give her consent for Joyce to marry anyone. Miss Sally's heart was crushed and broken once--men are not to be trusted. Willard Stanley is determined and clever. He seeks Miss Sally's help in decorating his new house. He acts as if he'll be bringing home a bride soon. And Miss Sally assumes that it is someone besides Joyce. He lets her believe this. Now Miss Sally loves, loves, loves, loves to fix up old houses. If they'd had HGTV back in the day, she'd have had her own show. Will Miss Sally get to know and trust Willard doing this home renovation project? Will Joyce and Willard get their happily ever after?

My thoughts: I really loved this one!

Quotes:

"But I think it will do," mused Miss Sally. "We'll make it do. There's such satisfaction getting as much as you possibly can out of a dollar, and twice as much as anybody else would get. I enjoy that sort of thing. This will be a game, and we'll play it with a right good will. But I do wish you would give the place a sensible name."

"It will be Eden for me when she comes." "I suppose you tell her all that and she believes it," said Miss Sally sarcastically. "You'll both find out that there is a good deal more prose than poetry in life."

Prose, rightly written and read, is sometimes as beautiful as poetry.

My Lady Jane
First sentence: The boat got into Broughton half an hour after the train had gone. We had been delayed by some small accident to the machinery; hence that lost half-hour, which meant a night's sojourn for me in Broughton. I am ashamed of the things I thought and said. When I think that fate might have taken me at my word and raised up a special train, or some such miracle, by which I might have got away from Broughton that night, I experience a cold chill. Out of gratitude I have never sworn over missing connections since.

Premise/plot: A man is given a second chance at love. This story is completely silly but has a charm about it as well. Clark Oliver and Elliott Cameron are cousins who could be identical twins. They hate each other. They LOATHE each other. Elliott had no intention of seeking out his cousin's company, but, he missed his train. Delayed for a day, he sees his cousin and ends up agreeing to do him a favor. He will pretend to be Clark for the evening and attend a social dinner. At the dinner he sees an old girlfriend that had broken his heart. In the role of Clark, the two talk and chat...will he get a second chance?!

My thoughts: This one is essentially a short story version of George Strait's LEAD ON. I liked it very much.

© 2018 Becky Laney of Becky's Book Reviews