beestew93's review against another edition
3.0
I've been struggling with ye olde Nathaniel for quite some time now, but after finally starting this collection of short stories (for the THIRD. TIME) I have to finally admit defeat. He's just not my favorite classic author. While I remain in awe of his ability to weave pictures through the use of his words (and write so eloquently along the way), getting through even this short collection of 24 short stories was a struggle.
This collection holds a few of the classics, such as "The Birthmark", but also offered a few for consideration that I had never heard of before. "The Antique Ring" made a particular impression, and remained one of my favorites throughout the collection.
In short, for all who consider themselves fans of Hawthorne this collection is for you! For those on the fence, like I was, this collection offers a quick look at the world renowned author without requiring you to delve too deeply into his world. Enjoy!
This collection holds a few of the classics, such as "The Birthmark", but also offered a few for consideration that I had never heard of before. "The Antique Ring" made a particular impression, and remained one of my favorites throughout the collection.
In short, for all who consider themselves fans of Hawthorne this collection is for you! For those on the fence, like I was, this collection offers a quick look at the world renowned author without requiring you to delve too deeply into his world. Enjoy!
judyward's review against another edition
4.0
I'm a fan of short stories and these short stories by Nathaniel Hawthorne are some of the best.
jerefi's review against another edition
3.0
This book of short stories is very good, but like anything written by Hawthorne, the language can be a little tougher to wade through than some of the fiction we choose to read. I think it was definitely better reading a story here or there in between other books than reading all the stories back to back give the reoccurring themes. If I would have read them back to back, I think it would have felt repetitive in terms of the messages/lessons within.
kittywriter's review against another edition
5.0
Some of the themes get repetitive if you read the entire book at once, and I also got tired of the feeble female protagonists, but Hawthorne has a way with words.
baddogjordan's review against another edition
4.0
Love Hawthorne. Chilly, creepy stories that would be lovely to read by a campfire in the heart of the woods. I only wish that instead of moralizing, he would go right up to the horror he is constantly dancing around. But OG for a reason. Should be on every bookshelf.
book_club_cat's review against another edition
5.0
Love Hawthorne so much, very entertaining and very creative! In my opinion, the best early American author.
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