Great Britain | Lecturia

Saki: Reginald’s Christmas Revel

In Reginald’s Christmas Revel, published in 1904, Saki introduces us to the witty and acerbic Reginald, who ironically recounts his misadventures during a Christmas spent with the Babwolds, a family as solemn as they are eccentric. Forced to attend due to a family commitment, the protagonist observes with sharp sarcasm the absurd rituals of the evening: a commander obsessed with his hunt, tedious social activities and a hostess whose earnestness borders on the grotesque. With his biting humour, Reginald transforms the monotony of the experience into a brilliant satire that questions social conventions and the emptiness of bourgeois life.

Algernon Blackwood: The Transfer

In Algernon Blackwood’s 1911 short story, “The Transfer,” the narrative revolves around a governess endowed with exceptional perceptive abilities who serves in the household of a wealthy family. The woman forms a unique bond with Jamie, one of the children in the household, who is particularly distressed by a visit from his father’s older brother. It appears that Jamie is experiencing a sense of apprehension towards his uncle, a sentiment that is not fully comprehended by the other members of the household, with the exception of the governess. She hypothesises that she is aware of the underlying cause of the child’s apprehension and its potential correlation with an isolated section of the garden, where, intriguingly, the flora exhibits a distinct lack of growth.

Arthur C. Clarke: The Star

The Star is a seminal work of science fiction, written by Arthur C. Clarke and first published in 1955. The narrative follows a Jesuit priest and astrophysicist who, during a space mission, discovers the remnants of a civilization that was annihilated by a cosmic catastrophe. This discovery profoundly challenges his faith, prompting him to question the beliefs he had previously accepted unquestioningly. Through this narrative, Clarke examines the tension between science and religion, raising questions about God’s role in the cosmos and human existence. Despite its brevity, the story is profoundly thought-provoking.

Algernon Blackwood: The Doll

‘The Doll,’ a short story by Algernon Blackwood published in 1946, tells the story of Colonel Hymbers Masters, a retired Indian Army officer. One night, a man brings a package to the Colonel’s house with the express instruction that it is to be delivered only to him. Several days later, the Colonel discovers that the package contains a doll and orders it to be destroyed. The cook, however, disregards the instruction and gives it to Monica, the Colonel’s daughter, who immediately takes a liking to the doll and makes it her companion. From that moment on, mysterious events disrupt life at the Masters’ residence.

H. G. Wells: The Crystal Egg

The Crystal Egg is a science fiction story by H. G. Wells published in The New Review in May 1897. It tells the story of Mr. Cave, an antique dealer who owns a small, dilapidated store in London. Among the strange objects he sells is a mysterious crystal sphere, which attracts the interest of two curious customers. However, Cave seems reluctant to sell it, which generates tensions with his family and arouses suspicion. As the story progresses, we discover that Cave has made an astonishing discovery related to this sphere and is keeping it a secret. Fascinated by what he sees through the crystal, Cave immerses himself in a series of reality-defying observations, leading him further away from his everyday life.

Saki: The Open Window

“The Open Window,” by Hector Hugh Munro (Saki), tells the story of Framton Nuttel’s visit to the Sappleton family home. Nuttel, a man who has gone to the country due to a nervous illness, is greeted by Mrs. Sappleton’s young niece. While they wait, the young nice tells him a disturbing story about why a window in the house is kept open. Although Nuttel is skeptical of the young woman’s story, an unexpected event will cause him to experience a terrifying moment.