The Bibliophile's Compass

  1660 Crusoe builds breastworks around his habitation 1846  Loss of Breath  by Edgar Allan Poe - US ⭐⭐ ( My Review ) This darkly comedic tale follows the plight of a man who mysteriously loses his breath and embarks on a twisted journey to reclaim it. 2023 Sam  by Allegra Goodman - US The simplicity of this tender, emotionally honest novel is what makes it so powerful. Sam by Allegra Goodman will break your heart, but will also leave you full of hope. 2023 Brotherless Night by V. V. Ganeshananthan - US Set during the early years of Sri Lanka’s three-decade civil war, Brotherless Night is a heartrending portrait of one woman’s moral journey and a testament to both the enduring impact of war and the bonds of home. Winner of the Women's Prize for Fiction 2023 The New Life by Tom Crewe - UK London, 1894. After a lifetime navigating his desires, John, married to Catherine, has met Frank. Meanwhile, Henry's wife Edith has fallen for Angelica. A shared vi...

1832 Loss of Breath by Edgar Allan Poe ( My Review ) ⭐️⭐️ 1920  Heartbreak House by George Bernard Shaw When Ellie Dunn joins a house party at the home of the eccentric Captain Shotover, she causes a stir with her decision to marry for money rather than love, and the Captain’s forthright daughter Hesione protests vigorously against the pragmatic young woman’s choice. Opinion on the matter quickly divides and a lively argument about money and morality, idealism and realism ensues as Hesione’s rakish husband, snobbish sister, and Ellie’s fiancé—a wealthy industrialist—enter the debate. 1958  The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui by Bertolt Brecht Described by Brecht as 'a gangster play that would recall certain events familiar to us all', Arturo Ui is a witty and savage satire of the rise of Hitler - recast by Brecht into a small-time Chicago gangster's takeover of the city's greengrocery trade. Using a wide range of parody and pastiche - from Al Capone to Shakespeare...

1833 MS Found in a Bottle by Edgar Allan Poe ( My Review )  ⭐⭐ 1847  Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë (UK)  ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ A novel of intense power and intrigue, Jane Eyre has dazzled generations of readers with its depiction of a woman's quest for freedom. 2021 Oh, William! by Elizabeth Strout Lucy Barton is a writer, but her ex-husband, William, remains a hard man to read. William, she confesses, has always been a mystery to me. Another mystery is why the two have remained connected after all these years. They just are. Booker Prize Finalist 2025 The Surgeon by John Nicholl When an eminent surgeon is arrested for murder, he knows he didn’t do it. He knows what it’s like to feel a person die on his operating table, but he didn’t inflict the wounds that ended the life of the girl they say he killed.

1844 The Oblong Box by Edgar Allan Poe published It is about a sea voyage and a mysterious box. 2014 Stone Mattress: Nine Tales by Margaret Atwood is published Atwood describes the pieces in the collection as "tales" rather than short stories, as they draw from the mythical and fantastical aspects associated with fables and fairy tales, rather than from conventional literary realism. 2014 How to Be Both by Ali Smith is published The story is told from two perspectives: those of George, a pedantic 16-year-old girl living in contemporary Cambridge, and Francesco del Cossa, an Italian renaissance artist responsible for painting a series of frescoes in the 'Hall of the Months' at the Palazzo Schifanoia in Ferrara, Italy. 2014 Man Booker Prize (shortlisted) 2014 Goldsmiths Prize (won) 2014 Costa Book Awards (won) 2015 Folio Prize shortlisted 2015 Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction (won) 2014 Standi...

1843 The Black Cat by Edgar Allan Poe published ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ An unnamed narrator, who suffers from alcoholism, has a strong affection for pets, until he perversely turns to abusing them.  1914 Elmer Rice's play "On Trial" premieres in NYC It was the first play to employ on stage the motion-picture technique of flashbacks, in this case to present the recollections of witnesses at a trial. 1999 Ghostwritten by David Mitchell is published (UK) The story takes place mainly around East Asia, but also moves through Russia, Britain, the US and Ireland. It is written episodically; each chapter details a different story and central character, although they are all interlinked through seemingly coincidental events.

Title : The Mystery of Marie Rogêt Author : Edgar Allan Poe Publication Year : 1842 Pages : 63 Rating : ⭐⭐⭐ Genre : Detective Fiction Source : eBook Opening Sentence : There are few persons, even among the calmest thinkers, who have not occasionally been startled into a vague yet thrilling half-credence in the supernatural, by coincidences of so seemingly marvellous a character that, as mere coincidences, the intellect has been unable to receive them. This detective fiction features C. Auguste Dupin, a precursor to the Holmes-like detectives created by Edgar Allan Poe. It serves as a sequel to "The Murders in the Rue Morgue" but focuses on solving a new crime mystery based on a real incident. In this story, Dupin attempts to solve the crime without ever leaving his chair. Unlike traditional mysteries filled with action and adventure, this narrative revolves around Dupin and his sidekick as they meticulously examine reports and newspaper articles to uncover the trut...

Title : The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar Author : Edgar Allan Poe Publication Year : 1845, December Pages : 12 Rating : ⭐⭐⭐ Genre : Horror, Hoax Source : eBook and audiobook @storytel.tr Opening Sentence : Of course I shall not pretend to consider it any matter for wonder, that the extraordinary case of M. Valdemar has excited discussion. I have read this before, but for some reason, I didn’t write a review! So here I am again, revisiting the same horror story. What’s the horror this time? The familiar obsession of Edgar Allan Poe: mesmerism. However, he really toyed with his readers this time because when he published this story, he never indicated that it was a work of fiction, leading people to believe it was a factual account. Imagine their reaction! The story features M. Valdemar, who has a medical condition that will kill him very soon. The narrator, who is a mesmerist, proposes to M. Valdemar that he can put him in a hypnotic state just before his last breath, and V...

Title : The Assignation Author : Edgar Allan Poe Publication Year : 1834, January Pages : 15 Rating : ⭐⭐⭐ Genre : Romance Source : eBook and audiobook @storytel.tr Opening Sentence : ILL-FATED and mysterious man! Okay! Once again, Poe is confusing me, and I need to figure out what’s happening! Apparently, I read a tragic romance, and you definitely need Venice for such an atmosphere! It is poetic, beautiful, dark—very, very dark—confusing, and mesmerizing! The title hints at the secret between the lovers. The story begins with the beautiful Marchesa’s child falling into the Grand Canal (I still can’t understand how this happens). Meanwhile, her old husband, Mentoni, is playing his guitar amid the screams and chaos, and eventually seems to get bored with the mayhem. Then, a young hero jumps into the canal to save the child, and his heroism is successful. The Marchesa blushes as she receives her rescued child and says something to him that feels coded. Okay! Next, our narrator,...

Title : A Tale of the Ragged Mountains Author : Edgar Allan Poe Publication Year : 1844 Pages : 13 Rating : ⭐⭐⭐ Genre : Adventure, Science Fiction, Mystery Source : eBook and audiobook @storytel.tr Opening Sentence: During the fall of the year 1827, while residing near Charlottesville, Virginia, I casually made the acquaintance of Mr. Augustus Bedloe. First of all, dear Mr. Poe, this is not the tale of the Ragged Mountains, but rather that of Mr. Augustus Bedloe. Secondly, I believe "mystery" would be a more fitting title for this story. At the beginning, you may think you understand what you are dealing with, but you will find you are mistaken at every stage of your imagined discovery. As the story unfolds, you might initially believe you are encountering a supernatural being—perhaps a vampire, a zombie, or something similar. However, you are soon informed that the situation has a medical nature. Then, it shifts again, leading you to consider concepts like time trav...

Title : Silence Author : Edgar Allan Poe Publication Year : 1837 Pages : 5 Rating : ⭐⭐ Genre : horror, fable Source : eBook and audiobook @storytel.tr Opening Sentence : The mountain pinnacles slumber; valleys, crags and caves are silent. "Silence - A Fable" by Edgar Allan Poe tells the story of a man encountering a demon in a desolate land. Although the reason behind this encounter is unclear, the demon feels it is his responsibility to warn the narrator about the horrors of silence and desolation by sharing another story. The narrative focuses primarily on describing a river and the landscape in Libya, vividly illustrating silence and desolation through the overwhelming power of nature. This depiction creates an uncanny image that both frightens and mesmerizes the reader.

Title : Mellonta Tauta Author : Edgar Allan Poe Publication Year : 1849, February Pages : 19 Rating : ⭐⭐⭐ Genre : Futuristic, Science Fiction, Satire Source : eBook & audiobook @storytel.tr Opening Sentence : NOW, my dear friend — now, for your sins, you are to suffer the infliction of a long gossiping letter. First of all, "Mellonta Tauta" means "things of the future." The story revolves around a woman named Pundita in the distant future (2848 AD), who finds herself overwhelmed by boredom while traveling in a high-speed balloon. The narrative is presented as Pundita's daily diaries, where she shares her experiences in the balloon along with her philosophical thoughts to entertain herself and bore the reader to death! The writing is satirical and humorous, offering insights on ancient philosophy, science, politics, geography, and much more. Interestingly, Americca is depicted as a relic of ancient and forgotten history; the continent is now known a...

Title : Shadow Author : Edgar Allan Poe Publication Year : 1835 Pages : 4 Rating : ⭐⭐ Genre : Parable, Horror, Gothic Source : eBook and audiobook @storytel.tr Opening Sentence : YE who read are still among the living; but I who write shall have long since gone my way into the region of shadows. Poe's "Shadow—A Parable" is a similar chilling story to "The Masque of the Red Death," portraying death as an inescapable, omnipresent force. Much like the Red Death patiently stalks both the living and the dead during a plague, the enigmatic Shadow in this tale emerges as an embodiment of mortality, patiently waiting at the door to claim its due. Both stories feature characters attempting to escape an epidemic, only to be confronted by the terrifying inevitability of their own demise, highlighting how death is the ultimate uninvited guest, unaffected by wealth or isolation. "Shadow" is a must-read for its evocative atmosphere and profound exploration ...

Title : Mystification Author : Edgar Allan Poe Publication Year: 1837, June Pages : 11 Rating : ⭐⭐ Genre : Satire Source : eBook and audiobook @storytel.tr Opening Sentence : The Baron Ritzner von Jung was a noble Hungarian family, every member of which (at least as far back into antiquity as any certain records extend) was more or less remarkable for talent of some description — the majority for that species of grotesquerie in conception of which Tieck, a scion of the house, has given a vivid, although by no means the most vivid exemplifications. Edgar Allan Poe's "Mystification" bursts onto the scene as an exhilarating satirical tale, where the absurd world of dueling is placed under a hilarious microscope! Set against the backdrop of a quirky German university, the story introduces us to the enigmatic Baron Ritzner Von Jung—a brilliant and eccentric figure known for his uncanny ability to outsmart his peers with his ingenious tricks, dubbed "art mystifique."...

Title : Mesmeric Revelation Author : Edgar Allan Poe Publication Year : 1844, August Pages : 13 Rating : ⭐ Genre : Philosophical Essay Source : eBook and audiobook @storytel.tr Opening Sentence : Whatever doubt may still envelop the rationale of mesmerism, its startling facts are now almost universally admitted. This is not a short story; rather, it is a short philosophical essay—a dialogue between a hypnotist and a dying man on various philosophical topics: soul, God, the universe, death, and life. The beginning serves as a warning for those who do not believe in mesmerism. It states, Do not dare to doubt it; otherwise, “those who doubt are merely professional doubters—an unprofitable and disreputable tribe." As you continue, you feel as if you are sitting in a philosophy class being lectured by a professor. When the dying man appears, you take a deep breath and hope for some engaging story and action, but don't get your hopes up! The hypnosis takes the physician’s ...

Title : Landor's Cottage 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 da...

Title : Lionizing Author : Edgar Allan Poe Publication Year : 1835 Pages : 6 Rating : ⭐⭐⭐ Genre : Satire Source : eBook & audiobook @storytel.tr Opening Sentence : I am, — that is to say I was — a great man, but I am neither the author of Junius nor the man in the mask, for my name, I believe, is Robert Jones, and I was born somewhere in the city of Fum-Fudge. This is an absurd satirical work by Edgar Allan Poe. It's so absurd that I'm not quite sure what to make of it. I gave it three stars because the level of absurdity is beyond what one typically encounters, and it had me laughing out loud. So, what’s the story? It revolves around a character named Robert Jones, who is admired in the fictional town of Fum-Fudge for his perfect nose and his scholarship in Nosology. However, the plot takes a turn when Jones experiences a downfall, this time due to someone else's nose! Though the text is quite short, it's filled with countless amusing names and terms. If...

Title : Hop-Frog Author : Edgar Allan Poe Publication Year : 1849, March 17 Pages : 12 Rating : ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Genre : Horror Source : eBook & audiobook @storytel.tr Opening Sentence : I never knew anyone so keenly alive to a joke as the king was. “Hop-Frog” is a horror story about a victim and his bully, and it is quite disturbing! The narrative is set in a time when kings, jesters, and clowns existed, and bullying on such a scale was considered acceptable. At first, we see the jester, Hop-Frog, being bullied and mocked because of his appearance. The treatment he receives is brutal. However, his patience runs out when the king and his companions target his friend, another dwarf-sized girl. This moment leads to a shocking twist where the bully faces severe consequences - again severely disturbing. While the story is unsettling, you may end up feeling a sense of pride and happiness for Hop-Frog at the end. This intense narrative raises important issues: Once a bully, always a bull...

Title : The Gold-Bug Author : Edgar Allan Poe Publication Year : 1843, June 21 Pages : 45 Rating : ⭐⭐ Genre : Early Detective fiction, mystery Source : eBook & audiobook @storytel.tr Opening Sentence : Many years ago, I contracted an intimacy with a Mr. William Legrand. “The Gold-Bug” by Poe is a story reminiscent of a treasure island adventure, but with one key difference: you don’t need to embark on a sea journey; it all unfolds in your own neighborhood! The plot revolves around Mr. William Legrand, who discovers a gold bug and is believed to be going mad by his valet and his physician—the narrator of the story—because of being bitten by the bug. However, this leads him to become a successful treasure hunter. I never expected that an exciting tale of treasure hunting could turn into a tedious explanation filled with meticulous details about the discovery. By the end, I found myself thinking, “Okay, I understand, you are a genius—just spare me the details!” I would have p...

Title : Four Beasts in One Author : Edgar Allan Poe Publication Year : 1836 Pages : 9 Rating : ⭐ Genre : Adventure, Science Fiction, Satire, Time Travel Source : eBook and audiobook @storytel.tr Opening Sentence : Antiochus Epiphanes is very generally looked upon as the Gog of the prophet Ezekiel. I was taken by surprise! “Four Beasts in One” is a time travel story by Edgar Allan Poe, where our narrator invites us to travel to Antioch in the year 3830 BC. It feels reminiscent of a Doctor Who episode, taking us on a historical documentary adventure in the ancient East. Throughout the story, he provides insight into the culture, its people, and its king. Let me tell you, readers, it’s a unique experience! I’m not entirely sure what to make of this story, except that it explains why pets and animals have been so popular and cherished in Turkey since ancient times. Have you heard about the cats of Istanbul or Turkey? The narrator observes, “Each animal, if you will take the pains ...

Title : Diddling, Considered as One of the Exact Sciences Author : Edgar Allan Poe Publication Year : 1843 Pages : 26 Rating : ⭐⭐ Genre : Humor, Satire, Essay Source : eBook and audiobook @storytel.tr Opening Sentence : Since the world began there have been two Jeremys. This is essentially an essay in humor, or a humorous entry in an imaginary encyclopedia about “diddling.” It amusingly explores what it means to diddle, the act of diddling, who a diddler is, the characteristics of a diddler, and provides tangible examples of different types of diddling. Poe describes it so well that I am considering becoming a diddler myself! Here are some insights into this diddling: Man is an animal that diddles, and there is  no  animal that diddles  but  man. To diddle is his destiny. “Man was made to mourn,” says the poet. But not so: — he was made to diddle. This is his aim — his object — his  end . And for this reason when a man's diddled we say he's “ done .” ...