Friday, October 27

2-in-1 Short Story Reviews: The Outsider and From Beyond by HP Lovecraft

Author: H.P Lovecraft
Title: The Outsider
Genre: Horror, Short Story, Classic, & Fantasy
Pages: 13 pages
Published: 1926
I Got It: My shelf (From a friend)

 In this work, a mysterious man who has been living alone in a castle for as long as he can remember decides to break free in search of human contact and light.


Listened to an audio version of this and then went and actually read the story. I’m weird…don’t judge me with those judging eyes!

Sometimes stories are good enough to read more. This is the case and I also didn’t pay attention the first half, so I wanted to revisit. Why? Well…the beginning was sloooooooooow on the audio. However, the story-building was beautifully done.

And then the ending happened….holy cannoli. I had to read what I just heard. SO GOOD! So creepy and I honestly didn’t expect the ending to end as it did. I can’t say WHAT for fear of spoilers.

But yes. Creepy man in a creepy castle decides to leave that castle and be creepy. Sure he doesn’t MEAN to be creepy, but he was. However, he is creepy for a reason that you will not see coming.

Not only is this creepy, but it also makes you think. I can for sure see some symbolism there. Some poor student somewhere could use this in a report!

This was quick, but the beginning feels slow since the author spends so much time building the scene. Worth it because of the ending.

I’ll give this 4 stars.








Author: H.P Lovecraft
Title: From Beyond
Genre: Horror, Short Story, Classic, & Sci-Fi
Pages: 15 pages
Published: 1934
I Got It: My shelf (From a friend)

A scientist creates a device that emits a resonance wave, which allows them to perceive planes of existence outside the scope of accepted reality. But the effect works both ways, and allows the denizens of the alternate dimension to perceive humans.


Again, listened to the audio and then read the written version. This time was different than the other time ;) I wanted to reread this simply for the fact it was amazing.

Beautifully creepy and cool.

I loved the whole crazy doctor story. He made the impossible possible. It was for sure unique especially considering the time period when the story was written. This crazy doctor created an electronic device that stimulates a person to be able to see the planes of existence outside of reality. Pretty much he created a way for someone to see a whole different dimension.

Remember…he’s crazy and so…poor staff. LOL! Can’t say much else, but yes. Poor innocents!

I wish I could say more! It is SOO hard not to give away any spoilers. I guess that is the curse of short stories...short reviews. 

But yes, this was a great read. Right mixture of story, plot, craziness, creepiness, and entertainment. I highly recommend this. 5 stars. I honestly want to re-read it again...





3 comments:

Blodeuedd said...

Oh that lovecraft

Melliane said...

These look great! I confess that I don't do audio because well it is too long

Carole Rae said...

B, he is something else.

Melliane, :D