Elizabeth Bowen: Collected Stories

Elizabeth Bowen (1899–1973) is a renowned and admired novelist known for her exceptional skill in writing short fiction. John Banville describes her as the supreme genius of her time, and this substantial volume showcases her mastery, with 79 stories spanning four decades. Bowen's writing is characterized by a disturbing sense of the uncanny, acute social comedy, and deeply insightful portrayals of her emotionally secretive characters. Her ability to capture the essence of houses, ghosts, children, and animals is evident in this collection, which is described as 900 pages of sheer delight.

Format: Hardback
Length: 904 pages
Publication date: 03 October 2019
Publisher: Everyman

Elizabeth Bowen (1899–1973) was a renowned and highly esteemed novelist who truly excelled in the art of writing short fiction. Her exceptional talent and unparalleled brilliance earned her the admiration of critics and readers alike. John Banville, in his introduction to this substantial collection of 79 stories, hailed her as the supreme genius of her time. He further remarked that not a single story within this voluminous volume fails to impress, showcasing Bowen's remarkable skill as a storyteller.

Spanning four decades, this collection offers a diverse range of settings, from the picturesque County Cork of Bowen's Anglo-Irish childhood to the war-torn streets of London, where she courageously weathered the Blitz. With vivid and impeccable artistry, Bowen vividly brings these various locales to life, creating a tapestry of characters that are both relatable and captivating.

One of Bowen's most notable strengths is her ability to evoke a sense of the uncanny. Her stories are filled with eerie atmospheres, mysterious characters, and unsettling events that keep readers on the edge of their seats. She possesses an acute eye for social comedy, skillfully injecting humor into even the most poignant moments. At the same time, Bowen's characters are often emotionally secretive, revealing themselves through subtle gestures and nuanced expressions. This psychological depth adds an extra layer of complexity to her narratives, allowing readers to delve deeper into the minds and motivations of her characters.

Bowen's writing is characterized by her exceptional skill in depicting various aspects of life. Whether it's the intricacies of domestic relationships, the complexities of human emotions, or the intricacies of the natural world, she brings a keen observation and a deep understanding to her prose. Her characters are often portrayed with a sense of realism and depth, making them feel like fully realized individuals with their own unique struggles and triumphs.

This substantial volume, spanning 900 pages, is a testament to Bowen's unparalleled talent as a writer. Each story is a delightful journey into the lives of her characters, filled with wit, wisdom, and emotional resonance. Whether you're a fan of short fiction or simply seeking a literary masterpiece, Elizabeth Bowen's collection is a must-read. Her stories will leave you spellbound, and her legacy as a master of the form will continue to inspire and captivate readers for generations to come.

Weight: 808g
Dimension: 205 x 131 x 42 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781841593920