Thursday, January 5, 2012

Beasts and Super-Beasts by Saki (1914)

Another superb collection by the master of deft comedy and potent satire in the Edwardian era. Most of these stories involve deception in one way or another - many of them are about story-telling, either from the point of view of trying to get one over on somebody else, or with the idea of avoiding a bore's bashing-post or an idiot's obsession. There are some standouts - Fur's ultra-delicate handling of the savageries of female loyalty; The Lumber-Room's just deserts for a haranguing aunt; The Elk's proof that determination in staying your course often wins in the end, especially when a charming German governess is the opposing factor; A Defensive Diamond's perfect last line; The Stalled Ox's brilliant concoction of bad art and bulldozed drawing-room; the list could go on. There are a few of these which sing a little more ordinarily, but all of them share at the very least Saki's trademark barbed wit. This was the last of his books to be published during his lifetime, and confirms that it is in the stories that his claim to fame is most firmly established. The two novels are distinctive and interesting, but not as sure overall. Now I have the two posthumous compilations to look forward to, which apparently include plays and other unusual pieces. Can't wait.

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