Scan barcode
thebookboy's review against another edition
5.0
As my first reread of the month, I decided to delve once again into the beautiful world of Katherine Mansfield's short stories.
The Garden Party has long been my absolute favourite short story in the world - it so perfectly captures so many emotions and feelings in a short number of page and the setting is just so dream-like and gorgeous - blooming roses, buns filled with whipped cream, a band all dressed in green. Of course, the main pith of the story is that it harshly highlights class disparities and differing attitudes towards suffering, human life etc. It's just so marvellously done and leaves the reader understanding exactly the sort of weird feeling that can't be captured in words that life so often leaves us feeling.
Some other standout stories from this collection include The Doll's house (again very indicative of class differences, childhood innocence etc.) and Bliss - a strange little tale that so effortlessly captures the feeling of being alive sometimes - that giddy, rushed feeling of being something other than just a human but also having a soul.
There are a couple of stories that are less impactful, but I am willing to forgive Mansfield for these in light of the sheer magnificence of the others. She was a voice silenced far too soon.
The sort of short story collection best read on a sunny day with a drink in hand.
5 stars
The Garden Party has long been my absolute favourite short story in the world - it so perfectly captures so many emotions and feelings in a short number of page and the setting is just so dream-like and gorgeous - blooming roses, buns filled with whipped cream, a band all dressed in green. Of course, the main pith of the story is that it harshly highlights class disparities and differing attitudes towards suffering, human life etc. It's just so marvellously done and leaves the reader understanding exactly the sort of weird feeling that can't be captured in words that life so often leaves us feeling.
Some other standout stories from this collection include The Doll's house (again very indicative of class differences, childhood innocence etc.) and Bliss - a strange little tale that so effortlessly captures the feeling of being alive sometimes - that giddy, rushed feeling of being something other than just a human but also having a soul.
There are a couple of stories that are less impactful, but I am willing to forgive Mansfield for these in light of the sheer magnificence of the others. She was a voice silenced far too soon.
The sort of short story collection best read on a sunny day with a drink in hand.
5 stars
rouge_red's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
Somewhere between loving and deeply enjoying the first two short story collections. However, In a German Pension...well, it was nice to see the progression of her writing to Bliss, a period of about 9 years. From her two most famous works, I think she's pretty damn brilliant. I don't always read analyses of things I read, but I needed the extra context to appreciate the nuances of her writing. I would love to read more from Katherine Mansfield.
ps. Love both a queer subtext and overtone.
ps. Love both a queer subtext and overtone.
emmamolyneux's review
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
hannahmayreads's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
More...