Rating: 4 Stars
Source: Bought
Description: This is Oscar Wilde's tale of the American family moved into a British mansion, Canterville Chase, much to the annoyance of its tired ghost. (from Goodreads)
Genre: Fiction
Why I Picked This Book: I had spooked myself reading a murder mystery one night and needed something a little lighter to make me not so jumpy and I'd been wanting to reread this one for awhile.
My Impression: I can't remember the first time I read this story by Oscar Wilde. It's one of my Grandmother's favorite books and she has several copies of it so I'm sure I picked it up one time when I was visiting her.
This is one of those stories that really should be better known. It's short - somewhere between a short story and a novella at just over 50 pages - but manages to be stuffed with humor and quietly absurd situations. There are several parts I laughed out loud at and it's a story I can visit again and again. My main complaint is that I wish there were more! I'd love more detail about the ghost and the family and just more of everything.
This is a good read for anyone who wants to read a Halloween-y book but doesn't like creepy and would be suitable for upper elementary age kids. The language is a little more formal but doesn't feel too clunky.
There are several movies that are loosely based on this book and I'm hoping to watch at least a couple of them soon!
Would I Read More of this Series/Author?: Yes! While I've seen several of Wilde's stories in play form this is the only book I've read.
Would I Recommend this Book?: Definitely! If you haven't read this yet you really should.
I read it.... plenty years ago, but I remember really enjoying it - well, Oscar Wilde is enjoyable in general ;)
ReplyDeleteIt definitely makes me want to read more of his work.
DeleteI enjoyed Wilde's Picture of Dorian Grey. Adding this one to my list... sounds wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI think you'd enjoy it. It's a fun read!
DeleteI keep on meaning to read The Picture of Dorian Grey. I even bought myself a really pretty copy in the hopes that that would entice me even more. Obviously it has not. But I think I'm going to see if I can find this one. At 50 pages that's a perfect way to sample Wilde's writing plus get in the Halloween spirit. :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you can find it! It's a fun read and definitely a fun way to get a taste if Wilde's writing. Dorian Grey is on my list as well. One day I'll read it!
DeleteI think I read this years ago but I've seen several movies based on it and enjoyed it. Another book I need to reread.
ReplyDeleteIt's a fun reread and it's so short it's fairly easy to squeeze in. I'm really looking forward to watching at least the original movie though is love to get the Patrick Stewart version.
DeleteI never read this but it sounds like something I'd like.
ReplyDeleteIt's a fun read and super quick!
DeleteI haven't read this since I was a kid, and I am fuzzy on the details. I should re-read it. It is perfect for this time of year.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely and it's such a short read it's possible to squeeze in. Now I can't wait to watch the movie!
DeleteI've been meaning to read this for years, and a short, non-scary ghost story sounds like just the thing for Halloween. Thank you for the review and the suggestion!
ReplyDeleteI have never considered reading anything else by Wilde after finishing The Picture of Dorian Gray. That one disappointed me so much. Maybe I should give this a try.
ReplyDelete