Landor's Cottage by Edgar Allan Poe (1849): A Review
Author: Edgar Allan Poe
Publication Year: 1849, June 9
Pages: 15
Rating: ⭐
Genre: Descriptive
Source: eBook & audiobook @storytel.tr
Opening Sentence: During a pedestrian trip last summer, through one or two of the river counties of New York, I found myself, as the day declined, somewhat embarrassed about the road I was pursuing.
This work should not have been categorized as fiction, let alone as a short story. It offers a beautifully descriptive portrayal of the landscape through which the narrator walks, until he gets to the cottage and meets a beautiful woman. It’s here that the reader finally says, “Yes, finally we get to the story.” Instead of weaving a tale that digs into character or conflict, our narrator would rather dote on the cottage, its furniture, and surroundings, leaving readers wondering if we've accidentally opened a gardening manual instead. The story fades out just as it began, without a hint of Poe's usual dark flair or any plot. Instead, it is more like a pastoral serenity that might mesmerize if you’re paying attention. If you can summon the focus to navigate through the lush scenery, there's beauty to be found—just don’t expect any dramatic developments. The low rating really is for its apparent lack of narrative structure; it would be better filed under landscaping or perhaps “how to appreciate a nice plot of land.”
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