Title: Selected Short Stories
Author: Guy de Maupassant
First published April 28, 1971
368 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780140442434 (ISBN10: 014044243X)
Rating: 4.15
Overview
This collection features 30 timeless short stories by Guy de Maupassant, including the beloved classics such as Boule de Suif, The Jewels, and The Horla. Readers will be transported to another time and place through Maupassant’s vivid storytelling and keen observations of human nature.
With an introduction by Roger Colet, this Penguin Classic edition is the perfect way to experience the work of one of the greatest short story writers of all time.
About the Author
Henri René Albert Guy de Maupassant was a beloved French writer in the 19th century. He is credited as one of the pioneers of modern short stories.
Under the tutelage of Flaubert, Maupassant developed a writing style that is concise yet impactful. His stories are known for their effortless and efficient ending.
In addition to his short stories, he also wrote six short novels. Maupassant’s stories often highlight the futility of war and the innocent individuals who suffer its consequences.
Many of his tales are set during the Franco-Prussian War in the 1870s.
Editoral Review
Guy de Maupassant’s Selected Short Stories, first published in 1971, is a collection of the finest works by one of the great masters of the short story form. This book brings together 34 of Maupassant’s stories, carefully selected to showcase his exceptional talents in character development, pacing, plot structure, and themes.
Maupassant was a French writer who lived in the late 19th and early 20th century, at a time when the short story was gaining popularity as a literary form. His style is characterized by concise and unadorned prose, often with a touch of irony and satire.
His stories are set in diverse locations, from the French countryside to the bustling streets of Paris, and feature a variety of characters, from peasants to aristocrats, soldiers to prostitutes. Selected Short Stories offers a cross-section of Maupassant’s oeuvre, presenting a rich tapestry of human experience.
The book’s first story, “Boule de Suif,” is a masterpiece of narrative complexity and psychological insight. Set during the Franco-Prussian War, it tells the story of a group of travelers who are forced to share a coach on their way to Le Havre.
The central character, Boule de Suif, is a plump and cheerful prostitute who becomes the object of desire for a German officer. Maupassant handles this sensitive subject with great skill, balancing the humor and pathos of the situation.
Other stories in the collection explore themes such as love, jealousy, betrayal, and social class. In “The Necklace,” a middle-class woman ruins her life for the sake of a borrowed necklace.
In “The Horla,” a man is driven to madness by an invisible entity that haunts him. In “Madame Tellier’s Establishment,” a group of prostitutes take a day off to visit the countryside, with humorous and touching consequences.
Maupassant’s writing is characterized by a deep empathy for his characters, which he never judges or condemns, but presents with all their strengths and weaknesses. He also has a keen eye for detail, which he uses to paint vivid pictures of the landscapes and social structures of his time.
His stories show us a different world, but one that is still relevant and meaningful for contemporary readers. Selected Short Stories is a must-read for anyone who loves the short story form or wants to discover the works of one of the great masters of French literature.
Maupassant’s writing is timeless, his characters are unforgettable, and his insights into the human condition are as relevant today as they were when he wrote them. This book is a true gem, beautifully crafted and meticulously edited, and a testament to the enduring power of the short story.
So, if you want to enjoy and learn from one of the greatest writers in the history of literature, Selected Short Stories by Guy de Maupassant is the perfect choice for you. I would rate this book a solid 4 out of 5 for its excellent collection of stories and its masterful storytelling, which continues to captivate readers of all ages.
