Time for this week's Short Story Sunday Peril review. Just a few quick words...
"Don't Ask Jack" (from Neil Gaiman's M Is for Magic) was a very quick little story to read. But let me tell you, Gaiman really packed a punch in those few short pages. I found this eerie little tale positively delightful! Gaiman crafted this story is such a way as to let the reader write their own fears into the story. Not that this a blatant ploy, by any means...but it is nearly inescapable. Jack-in-the-boxes just naturally seem to have a creepy quality to them...and without question, I will never "turn the crank" again without a twinge of apprehension.
I must say, I am really beginning to see why so many people love Neil Gaiman. I still haven't read any of his "adult" pieces, but I can't say how much I am enjoying these short stories. I'm finding it very hard to pace myself! And I found Coraline to be absolutely wonderful as well. I cannot wait to take the plunge into more of his work...American Gods has been patiently waiting on my nightstand for far too long.
8 comments:
If I'm not mistaken that is one of the stories inspired by Lisa Snellings-Clark's work. Isn't it wonderful to see artist inspiring each other?
I agree with you, it is a delightful story.
I have not read anything by Neil Gaiman...yet, but I will soon after hearing so many ravings about his books.
You're right Nymeth, this is inspired by one of Lisa's works. You can click here to see an image. Click on the image for a different view of it:
http://www.lisasnellings.com/limited.html
Don't Ask Jack is a very unsettling story and one that reminds me of the reasons I find ventriloquist dummies, old wooden dolls, and other such objects to be deliciously frightening.
Don't Ask Jack is a great Gaiman story and I love the Snellings-Clark piece that it is based on. I can't wait for you to read American Gods, Debi! I think you'll enjoy it ;)
Thanks for the link, Carl. I can certainly see why he was inspired to write by that piece! It's so incredibly beautiful and so incredibly unnerving all at the same time. I think may now have to read that little jewel of a story again.
Looks like I need to add yet another Gaiman to my wishlist.
I just checked M is for Magic out from the library, yesterday. It's so exciting to see how much people are enjoying it. I can't wait to read it, now. Thanks for a terrific review!
I am yet to read a Gaiman. I look forward to reading one sent by dewey. I won it in a contest. Actually I selected the book!
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