Tuesday, October 13

Book Reviews: The System of Dr Tarr and Professor Fether & The Fall of the House of User


Author: Edgar Allan Poe
Title: The System of Doctor Tarr and Professor Fether
Genre: Short Story, Classic, Horror, Comedy, & Mystery
Pages: 36
First Published: 1844
Where I Got It: My shelf (Part of my complete collection of Edgar Allan Poe's works - given to me for Xmas)

The story follows an unnamed narrator who visits a mental institution in southern France (more accurately, a "Maison de Santé") known for a revolutionary new method of treating mental illnesses called the "system of soothing". A companion with whom he is travelling knows Monsieur Maillard, the originator of the system, and makes introductions before leaving the narrator. The narrator is shocked to learn that the "system of soothing" has recently been abandoned. He questions this, as he has heard of its success and popularity, but Maillard tells him to "believe nothing you hear, and only one half that you see".




I'll admit...I watched the movie rendition of this short story. However, I didn't know it was based off Mr Poe's story (the title is NOT the same at all). What can you do you know?
This one was super, super short. I wish it was longer. There was so much more that could have been added. However, I must admit...the last page leaves so much to interpretation. Anything could have been assumed. Normally, I'm not a fan of open-ended stories, but this was pretty good and I liked it. 

Mmmm, not much else to say.

It was a nice quick read. I hate to admit it, because I'm a huge Poe fan, but I think I liked the movie better, which I'll be reviewing it soon (maybe this week - not sure yet). 
I do recommend this to those that like Mr. Poe, not my favorite, but I love the premise of it. It was good. Out of five, I stamp this with 3 stars. 







Author: Edgar Allan Poe
Title: The Fall of the House of Usher
Genre: Short Story, Classics, Horror, & Mystery
Pages: 36
First Published: 1839
Where I Got It: My shelf (Part of my complete collection of Edgar Allan Poe's works - given to me for Xmas)


The Fall of the House of Usher" recounts the terrible events that befall the last remaining members of the once-illustrious Usher clan before it is -- quite literally -- rent asunder.






This is my 2nd read through of the short story! This is one of my favorites of Mr Poe. It is an utterly brilliant story. Super dark and perfect for Halloween time. Honestly, this one scares me a little bit, because it would totally be my luck to be buried alive. >___< 

This is quite dark, but it is a good dark. I honestly would love to see a rendition of this story brought to life. 

Everything I think of the title I oddly think of Usher, the musician, and his song that showcases him burning down a bed, house, and some poor palm trees. haha. I think Mr Poe had a vision of the music video. haha


Sorry for the randomness of my brain.

Normally, I root for the short story to be longer, but this was the perfect length. Any longer would have been a bore. I highly recommend this to those who like Mr Poe or looking for a little goosebumps this Halloween month! I stamp this with 5 stars of course.








3 comments:

Melliane said...

I didn't know about them but I'm glad to see you had such a great time with the second book!

Blodeuedd said...

I have never read him....

Carole Rae said...

Melliane & Blodeuedd you must read some Poe! Get Poe in your life right meow! LOL