Short Stories of Our Time

by Douglas R. Barnes (Editor)

Genres: Short Stories

192 pages, Hardcover

First published December 1, 1963

Reviews

[SarahStrange]

I did this book as part of my GCO "O" Levels english literature repretoire. (Please don't start guessing my age ;) )

The stories inside are good. Some makes you think, some makes you aware and some just plain outright keep in suspense and surprise you. However, I won't probably forget the stories.

For example, the story about the slave and the dog (forgot the full title). When I first read the story, I was angry at the slave for leaving the dog to starve because, I mean, the poor dog is innocent! However, my literature teacher taught me to see the big context to the story. For example, the fact that the slave's children are obviously starving, and even eating the dog's food would be a treat for them. In addition, the author was trying to show us how ironic it is that we would treat animals even better than our own fellow human beings. Goes to show what kind of species we humans are.

I also love the story, "The Golden Cadillac" which portrays the racialism during the 60s era. It is short and simple, yet enough to tug at one's heartstrings a little. Of course, can't be compared to "To kill a mockingbird", but still!!! :)

Anyway, I still believe till today, if ever one can read this, one should :)

[Paul Turner]

If this is the book I think it is, I read it as an 11/12 year old at school in about 1963.
Two stories stand out to me.
Late Night on Watling Street is one, the other is a chilling story about time travelling and ignoring instructions and the consequences of so doing.
I wish I could remember the title as I want to read it again now I’m 70, and share it with my wife.

[Simon]

First read this at school. Can’t remember doing it as a class text but can remember chatting with Shaun Smith and another couple of friends, who were not noted readers, as to which was our favourite. General agreement that Late Night on Watling Street took the blue ribbon back then. I still think it is one of the best in a superb anthology. I found it in a stock cupboard a dozen years ago and really enjoyed it then, but this third reading was by far the best.

Douglas Barnes was very highly regarded for his thoughts and philosophy on English teaching when I began my career. He certainly chose a selection that appealed beyond the academic minded. Real situations, experiences and emotions that connected back then and continue to connect now (if you’re over 60!).

What a roll-call of writers. Malamud, Mansfield, Lavin, Steinbeck, Gordimer, Sillitoe, Wain, Naughton et al. I think the Katharine Mansfield is my current favourite, taking sadness to the point of tragic beauty.





2010 thoughts
Belting collection.

[Sarah]

To be honest about this collection - I felt no connection to any of the stories and have reached the point where I have no interest read the rest