SPOLIERS!!! - Re: Skule Skerry by John Buchan
Posted by:
Sawfish (IP Logged)
Date: 15 November, 2018 10:42AM
Yesterday I finally read Skule Skerry. I'd like to comment on it, specifically, and Buchan's style, in general (from what little I've seen). Replies are of course welcomed.
The story is a good example of a literary "joke", in that, to my reading, at least, there is no supernatural element present in the tale. It's more an observation on the power of suggestion.
It's quite atmospheric, and relatively short. If it were any longer it would lose narrative momentum and would be completely ineffective. In effect, it's a long joke, with a punchline that, if you had to read one or two more pages, would not be worth the effort.
Reading it one time, there seems to be an odd sterility in Buchan's style--he, as the authorial voice, does not, for me, at least, infuse the story with any personal emotion--and I'd contrast Lovecraft or Poe, here, as examples of deeply invested authorial voice.
Buchan is eminently competent in his technical skills, in my opinion, and this is at odds with the relative lack of effectiveness of the story, in that what he says is well stated, but he hasn't actually said much.
My opinions, only.
--Sawfish
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"The food at the new restaurant is awful, but at least the portions are large."
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