I decided to read all of Lovecraft's short stories chronologically. (Ik not the best way to go about it. I had never read his stories but heard a lot about them. So I wanted to see how his writings develope)
I have read 10 stories so far. Since the stories are very very short, it's hard to give it stars so I'm gonna make it simple and give it either Yay, Meh or Nay
📜The beast in the cave📜
(Meh)
I can see why these are his early works. The premise was good tho (albeit not original)
📜The alchemist📜
(Meh)
This one was way better than the first one, tho not good in itself. The premise was really good and interesting. The descriptions & prose (as all good gothic stories have) were beautiful. The starting got me hooked at once. The ending however was really unsatisfactory.
📜The Tomb📜
(Meh)
Didn't really get the point of this story
📜Dragon📜
(Meh)
This one was way better than the previous ones. I liked how the plot started. Tho the story didn't make much sense. By far Lovecraft seems to be really good at making premises but not good at what to do with them. Each of four of the stories' premise sounded really cool. His writing is also very good. By far he seems to know how to write not what to write
📜 A reminiscence of Dr. Samuel Johnson📜
(Nay)
This one isn't supposed to be a horror so can't complain about that. Tho I didn't get any point of this story.
📜Sweet Ermengarde📜
(Nay)
One of the cringe-st romance book (if you can call it a romance book) I've ever read. The writing was mediocre.
📜Polaris📜
(Meh)
thank god he's back with his horrors. Had enough of his of his romance for a lifetime. this should've been longer. it was a new world, the world building needed a lot more time. Some people may even like it. Just not for me.
📜The green meadow📜
(Meh)
The context of how this was found was interesting. But it felt unnecessary. He should've tried to connect it or made it more relevant. However, I heard this is part of the dream mythos series, so this will make sense much later.
📜Beyond the Wall of Sleep📜
(Meh)
Unnecessary long lines and word choices. But loved the character descriptions. The plot wasn't great but was better than Polaris.
📜Memory📜
(Yay)
My intro to flash fiction. Wow this one was great. I reread it and the writing with its symbolism was immaculate. Chief's kiss.
In the valley of Nis the accursed waning moon shines thinly, tearing a path for its light with feeble horns through the lethal foliage of a great upas-tree.
"Feeble horns" as moonlight…wow.
And within the depths of the valley, where the light reaches not, move forms not meant to be beheld.
I think the phrase "meant not to be beheld" symbolizes we are not supposed to grasp… in other words understand these "forms"
Vast are the stones which sleep beneath coverlets of dank moss, and mighty were the walls from which they fell. For all time did their builders erect them, and in sooth they yet serve nobly, for beneath them the grey toad makes his habitation.
basically every sentence is great
(I hid the quotes as spoilers because it's a short story so you'd basically be reading half the story if you read those. But you can see them if you wish, they are just descriptions. You won't be exactly spoiled)
There's a lot of stories in this volume, I didn't wanna make a huge post so only reviewed the first 10 stories. will be reviewing the next 10 after I finish reading
by Captivum18