Poor, Dear Margaret Kirby

by Kathleen Thompson Norris

This is a reproduction of the original artefact. Generally these books are created from careful scans of the original. This allows us to preserve the book accurately and present it in the way the author intended. Since the original versions are generally quite old, there may occasionally be certain imperfections within these reproductions. We're happy to make these classics available again for future generations to enjoy!

Genres: Short Stories, Fiction, American

252 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1913

About the author

Educated at the University of California, Kathleen married Charles Gilman Norris, brother of the late Benjamin Franklin Norris, Junior, in 1909. She was a prolific author, producing over 80 novels in addition to numerous short stories and articles. Norris was a regular contributor to leading magazines such as Atlantic and Ladies' Home Journal. Her first novel, Lost Sunrise, appeared in 1909 and was immediately popular. By the end of her career her books had sold over ten million copies and made her the highest paid female author of her day.

Reviews

[Maureen · Rating 4 out of 5]

John and Margaret Kirby appeared to have everything, but their marriage is a sham, they actually don’t get on at all, though Margaret never discusses this with anyone, unlike her friends, who tell all and sundry about their problems. However, John and Margaret’s secret is about to be laid bare in a newspaper - the audacity of it, thinks Margaret!

However, there’s an even bigger problem looming, but sometimes these unforeseen events force us to follow a different path in life!
Delightful little tale, here’s the link https://americanliterature.com/author...

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seems to be a collection of short stories, which are fairly good, but I just start getting involved in the story...then it ends! Not a big fan of short stories. I like having my good friend waiting for me at the end of the day, to paraphrase the Author and that doesn't happen with short stories.

[Kathleen Vincenz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved all these short stories. I think I liked them better than Kathleen Thompson Norris' longer novels. They are funny, sweet, well plotted, and, of course, short. Often when you read short stories, you feel lonely for the characters (don't go away so fast, beloved friend!) or you have an unfinished feeling that so much more should have been said. But, reading these, and later in the summer when I read Flannery O'Connor's, I didn't feel that. The plots are so well done that you felt you left the character to live on (Good bye, dear friend!).

I particularly liked the first story Poor, Dear Margaret Kirby, which has a fun plot twist, as well S is For Shiftless Susanna, Dr Bates and Miss Sally, and Miss Mix Kidnappers. All lots of fun.

[K. Anna Kraft · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have arranged my thoughts on this short story into a haiku:

"For the buried heart
The isolation of wealth
Has a dear, tough cure."

[Mitha Balagopalan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The everyday story of discovering meaning in our relationships. That circumstances, which will help you realize the importance and sheer joy of being with your dear ones.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short stories. Norris was a good writer -probably a model for MHL - even has a "Miss Mix" as a character

[Elsabet · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some of the stories were nice, but most of them were pretty meh and rather muddled.

[Dave · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun but forgettable.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost eerie how a story written more than a century ago could still be applicable today. A part of me wants to pick the path chosen by John and Margaret Kirby, sans the medical and fiscal problems.