The Oblong Box by Edgar Allan Poe (1843): A Review

Title: The Oblong Box

Author: Edgar Allan Poe

Publication Year: 1843

Pages: 15

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Genre: Horror, Gothic, Satire, Detective

Source: Ebook @everand_us

Get ready for a mix of suspense and satire in "The Oblong Box." Imagine if Sherlock Holmes was a nosy neighbour who decided to become the town detective despite having no real sleuthing skills and no one asking him to do anything sleuthing-like. This character thinks he's solving grand mysteries that nobody else even notices. The blend of horror and humour creates a delightful concoction, but be prepared for a tragic ending that hits hard. Our unnamed narrator embarks on a sea journey, convinced he's on the verge of solving case after case—until, of course, there's a shipwreck (and who doesn't enjoy a good shipwreck?). He jumps to conclusions, misreading situations and arriving at wildly inaccurate deductions. Most comically, he believes his friend is hiding dark secrets worthy of a thriller. However, he's not entirely wrong; it's just that the story isn't a thriller—it's a tragedy that breaks your heart. The humor builds up until the poignant finale shatters expectations, leaving readers both entertained and slightly heartbroken. Why should you pick up this gem? Let's remember that we're in the realm of Edgar Allan Poe, the grandmaster of genres! He was crafting creepy and clever tales long before it became a trend. This story is a delightful mix of humor and melancholy, offering a hearty dose of entertainment along with a side of emotions. Plus, who doesn't love a detective story when there was no genre named detective fiction?

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