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90th out of 463 books
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The Torturer's Apprentice: Stories
This brilliant debut collection of stories by O. Henry Award winner John Biguenet is as notable for the rigor of its intellect as for the sweep of its imagination. Whether recounting the predicament of an atheistic stigmatic in "The Vulgar Soul" or a medieval torturer who must employ his terrible skills upon his own apprentice in the title tale, these stories dec
...morePaperback, 192 pages
Published
March 1st 2002
by Harper Perennial
(first published 2001)
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"The Vulgar Soul," the opening story of this collection, was a requirement during orientation at Loyola. I think they mailed us a printout or something like that, which we were to familiarize ourself with before going in to take placement tests and get acquainted with the faculty. I remember working through a weekend rush at the deli, busing tables, and getting frustrated when someone would get up and interrupt my reading.
What stands out most about this story is a species...more
What stands out most about this story is a species...more
I don't much like short stories, but I started to read the first one and was hooked. I can't say that I enjoyed every one but some stand out in my mind, the title story, the Torturer's Apprentice and Vulgar Soul are two. And Never Come Up, an unusual story about story-telling was one of the best. I am Not a Jew is not about religion but a simply told tale of how so much of life is a straight choice, an either/or and that you should careful when you choose because even if the choice implies no a...more
The Torturer's Apprentice was the title du jour on a message board I was reading, so I picked up a copy for myself to see what everyone was talking about. It's a collection of exceedingly well-written short stories, and although the title suggests the macabre, I think a better adjective might be "grotesque," with all associated Flannery O'Connor connotations. Stories include an unreligious man who develops stigmata and has to cope with throngs of believers who want to see his wounds; a...more
As a big fan of short stories, I'm constantly looking for new books and "The Torturer's Apprentice" kept showing up wherever I looked. The book has a near perfect 4 1/2 out of 5 stars rating, so I decided to take the plunge.
This is John Biguenet's first short story collection and he has since published a novel Oyster: A Novel, which I have not read.
This collection has 14 short stories, my favorites were -
"The Vulgar Soul" a man named Tom...more
This is John Biguenet's first short story collection and he has since published a novel Oyster: A Novel, which I have not read.
This collection has 14 short stories, my favorites were -
"The Vulgar Soul" a man named Tom...more
In great defense of only two stars, I have to say I really wanted to like this book more. But in all honesty, the stories just fell flat. It was obvious to me that Biguenet is a good writer. He has a great sense of pacing, a nice macabre bent, and a good ear for dialogue. They are constructed quite nicely, nothing ever feels superfluous or overwritten. But to me the stories lacked a much needed spark. In some ways, I felt as if I were reading Ron Howard films on a page: expertly made, good hear...more
This collection of short stories focuses upon the bizarre and the fantastic, with some horror thrown in for good measure. With most short stories, the ending is important, either silencing the outcome with a finality the reader accepts or making the reader yearn for more. While some of the stories in this book hit the mark, others just kind of sat there, not sure where to go or when to end.
My favorite was the last story, NEVER COME UP, which was ghostly and enthralling. Ducks and whi...more
My favorite was the last story, NEVER COME UP, which was ghostly and enthralling. Ducks and whi...more
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Biguenet is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. His short stories are quite amazing, taking the appropriate twists and turns but also surprising you and keeping you on your feet. His research is impeccable making the doctor, the salesman, the torturer in these stories equally believable. His prose is beautiful and intricate and just as smart as he is. I'm generally not a huge fan of collections but this one is worth every penny and every second.
I blasted through this book in 4 riveting hours. "a plague of toads", my favorite, was a fantasy thriller reminiscent of Poe. Echoes of Hemingway and Conrad plus more than a hint of King make these stories, while not masterful, at least compelling and often thrilling. Definitely a great book for beaches, airplanes, and long lazy weekends.
There were a few stories in here that really stayed with me. Years later I can recall thinking about the choices the author made in writing his sentences and wondering what was edited out. The economy of short stories that invite you imagine beyond the words exists here.
Carmen
is currently reading it
Thus far, the stories here are a mixed bag. Some of them I adore ("A Plague of Toads," "Fatherhood"), and others left me cold ("Lunch with My Daughter," "The Vulgar Soul," "My Slave," and others).
Michael
added it
These stories should be in a high school remedial literature textbook. And WILL be in a high school remedial literature textbook. And something about that is strangely comforting.
Brilliant. These stories will stay with you and make you view the world in a different light - read and enjoy!
Some were good, others I just skipped. Interesting to see victimhood as a theme.
The Torturer's Apprentice by John Biguenet (2001)
Peter Head
added it
Interesting short stories.
This is one of my favorite books. A great collection of short stories, many capturing the essence of New Orleans perfectly. My favorite story is the last, "And Never Come Up." Highest recommendation.
I do love me a good short story, and if I hadn't just finished Throws Like a Girl, I would say this is the best compilation I've read. Loved it.
These are shockingly wild stories. And well-crafted. And good.
Hannah
added it
Fantastically written-- creeptastic.
Nicolas Segovia
marked it as to-read
Marie Briard
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Ruthie
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