The realm of the "astonishing story" has its roots in the campfire tales of old; twisted little shockers designed to surprise, frighten, and amuse. Each story is one succinct and perfect thread describing a single situation or set of circumstances. Gifted authors, such as the contributors to this compilation, are able to provide enough character development, description, and storyline in so few words; it makes one reconsider if the time investment associated with reading a novel is really worth it.
This anthology offers a good mix, with many varieties of short story. In addition to the more conventional twisted tales, there are stories that wobble on the edge of pulp fiction, vampire fantasy, and even a touch of sci-fi. Equally diverse is the selection of authors, representing every level of notoriety.
This anthology offers a good mix, with many varieties of short story. In addition to the more conventional twisted tales, there are stories that wobble on the edge of pulp fiction, vampire fantasy, and even a touch of sci-fi. Equally diverse is the selection of authors, representing every level of notoriety.
For retelling around the campfire, no story in this collection is better suited than "The Miniaturist" by Heidi Julavits. Its combination of the classic cabin-in-the-woods and lost-traveler premise, along with a punchy (if somewhat predictable) twist of fate make this one easy to remember, and to customize and retell over and over.
"7c" by Jason Roberts, winner of the August Van Zorn prize for Weird Short Story is a devious little yarn. Roberts' subtle foreshadowing and methodical story development build up to a shocking and horrifying conclusion that will send a chill down your spine. Don't read this one alone in a darkened room.
"Report of Certain events in London" by China Mieville takes a premise so unlikely as to be silly, and conveys it with a truly haunting air. As engaging and original as the story is, I think it's difficult to be truly spooked by the astonishing circumstance she has chosen to describe.
"7c" by Jason Roberts, winner of the August Van Zorn prize for Weird Short Story is a devious little yarn. Roberts' subtle foreshadowing and methodical story development build up to a shocking and horrifying conclusion that will send a chill down your spine. Don't read this one alone in a darkened room.
"Report of Certain events in London" by China Mieville takes a premise so unlikely as to be silly, and conveys it with a truly haunting air. As engaging and original as the story is, I think it's difficult to be truly spooked by the astonishing circumstance she has chosen to describe.
Of all the stories contained in the Enchanted Chamber, none pays more sincere homage to the great Astonishing Story writer Edgar Allen Poe than "The Fabled Lighthouse of Vina del Mar" by Joyce Carol Oates. This journal-style telling chronicles a scientist's gradual descent into madness who has voluntarily isolated himself in a lighthouse as an experiment.
A portion of the proceeds from this book will go to benefit 826 Valencia, an organization dedicated to the development of children's writing skills. So while you're being amazed and disturbed, you can take comfort in knowing that your reading habit is supporting a worthwhile cause.
A portion of the proceeds from this book will go to benefit 826 Valencia, an organization dedicated to the development of children's writing skills. So while you're being amazed and disturbed, you can take comfort in knowing that your reading habit is supporting a worthwhile cause.
