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26 Absurdities of Tragic Proportions: Unusual and Enjoyable Tales
Awarded Finalist Prize in the 2019 American Fiction Awards 'Short Stories' Category by American Book Fest.
An utterly fascinating collection of short tales inspired by Edward Gorey's alphabetical illustrations in "The Gashlycrumb Tinies." These tales capture the essence of dark humor and satire with one tale for each child depicted in Gorey's most famous illustrations. These tales are all about human behavior, characteristics, chance and choice, and life and death. From mystery to sci-fi from drama to fairy tale and from adventure to gothic, this book has something for everyone.
An utterly fascinating collection of short tales inspired by Edward Gorey's alphabetical illustrations in "The Gashlycrumb Tinies." These tales capture the essence of dark humor and satire with one tale for each child depicted in Gorey's most famous illustrations. These tales are all about human behavior, characteristics, chance and choice, and life and death. From mystery to sci-fi from drama to fairy tale and from adventure to gothic, this book has something for everyone.
- GenresFictionShort Stories
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 19, 2018
81 people are currently reading
868 people want to read
About the author
Matthew C. Woodruff
4 books17 followersWith sardonic wit and complete irreverence, Matthew Woodruff is one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers. The great skill with which he slices through cultural euphemisms and political correctness proves that Woodruff is a master of dark humor and satire and one of the most observant writers addressing the human condition today.
It is said that Matthew was born with a book in one hand and a pen in the other (his poor mother has never forgiven him but hey, at least it wasn't a typewriter...) Shortly after the release of his first book, Matthew was named 'Author of the Month' by Self Publishers Showcase for September, 2018.
A native New Yorker, Matthew is now on staff at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. Matthew is an award winning magazine features writer, editor and publisher. Matthew's vision of the world around us - seen in his dark humor and dark fiction works - is unique and not to be missed.
It is said that Matthew was born with a book in one hand and a pen in the other (his poor mother has never forgiven him but hey, at least it wasn't a typewriter...) Shortly after the release of his first book, Matthew was named 'Author of the Month' by Self Publishers Showcase for September, 2018.
A native New Yorker, Matthew is now on staff at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. Matthew is an award winning magazine features writer, editor and publisher. Matthew's vision of the world around us - seen in his dark humor and dark fiction works - is unique and not to be missed.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
November 20, 2018
I LOVE this book! (I also wrote it, but I am not biased in any way.)
March 26, 2019
The stories of these twenty-six children fit the title perfectly. Each of the stories ending in the freakiest ways. All these children lived one sad story after another. The settings were, however, well researched.
The first story, Amy, ended quite dramatically. Basil’s mother, a quantum physicist, lost Basil through a time machine. Poor Clara! the zookeeper’s daughter let herself go. Desmond was the little brave boy who saved his mother and his little unborn sister. Ernest story was so sad. Did he have to die? Even Fanny succumbed to leeches. George hid and could not be found. Hector, the poor harassed Spanish boy, or is it Ida and Ivy, twins from hell. James, stole and drank the Lakka or is it the Lye? Kate believed his parents were Zombies. Leo, the artist extraordinary swallowed tacks. I had advance suspicion that he would do that. Maud, the pirate’s daughter suffered shipwreck. Neville, survived an accident that killed his whole family, went to live a desolate life with his heartless aunt Clerdance. Olive, who tried to outsmart the dwarfs. Prue went looking for her doll and found herself in the wrong place. Quentin and the research team. Why did they not listen to the warnings of the old woman? Rhoda, the circus, the lion and the fire blower, all trouble waiting to happen. Susan learned to throw tantrum from Jennifer her new friend. Was it really tantrums? Titus lived by pilfering food and goods in Dublin back ways until he pilfered the wrong package. Una’s mother, Natalie Hayle reported her missing. Did she do her in? Victor goes on a field trip and…Winnie, so little no one noticed her embedded in ice. Xerxes, did in by mice? Yorick and the maple tree, one of those freak accidents. Zillah, a child drinking vodka?
What terrible stories! It was a long and tedious read!
The first story, Amy, ended quite dramatically. Basil’s mother, a quantum physicist, lost Basil through a time machine. Poor Clara! the zookeeper’s daughter let herself go. Desmond was the little brave boy who saved his mother and his little unborn sister. Ernest story was so sad. Did he have to die? Even Fanny succumbed to leeches. George hid and could not be found. Hector, the poor harassed Spanish boy, or is it Ida and Ivy, twins from hell. James, stole and drank the Lakka or is it the Lye? Kate believed his parents were Zombies. Leo, the artist extraordinary swallowed tacks. I had advance suspicion that he would do that. Maud, the pirate’s daughter suffered shipwreck. Neville, survived an accident that killed his whole family, went to live a desolate life with his heartless aunt Clerdance. Olive, who tried to outsmart the dwarfs. Prue went looking for her doll and found herself in the wrong place. Quentin and the research team. Why did they not listen to the warnings of the old woman? Rhoda, the circus, the lion and the fire blower, all trouble waiting to happen. Susan learned to throw tantrum from Jennifer her new friend. Was it really tantrums? Titus lived by pilfering food and goods in Dublin back ways until he pilfered the wrong package. Una’s mother, Natalie Hayle reported her missing. Did she do her in? Victor goes on a field trip and…Winnie, so little no one noticed her embedded in ice. Xerxes, did in by mice? Yorick and the maple tree, one of those freak accidents. Zillah, a child drinking vodka?
What terrible stories! It was a long and tedious read!
June 28, 2018
Darkly humorous, entertaining and endearing in a strange sorta way, these stories are varied and seem to incorporate the spirit of the illustrations that inspired them! I laughed out loud!.
Recommended for the young at heart. Once I started reading it became difficult to put it down. If you appreciate sarcastic humor this is the book for you.
Recommended for the young at heart. Once I started reading it became difficult to put it down. If you appreciate sarcastic humor this is the book for you.
August 20, 2018
Interesting
Well written. Entertaining and Surprising. Sad but not in an overly emotional way. I liked it and read it quickly.
Well written. Entertaining and Surprising. Sad but not in an overly emotional way. I liked it and read it quickly.
October 13, 2018
Interesting book
It,had stories that was all different. I really enjoy reading them all. All the different ways the stories ended was interesting.
It,had stories that was all different. I really enjoy reading them all. All the different ways the stories ended was interesting.
May 21, 2019
I was fortunate enough to win a copy of this book from Goodreads. The style of writing is very different from anything I have read before. There are 26 short stories in the book. Each one provides some insight into human behavior. They tackle the subjects of life and death, the choices we make, and how different situations affect our behavior. For some reason the more I read the more I wanted to read. After each story whether it was a sad, depressing ending or not, I felt compelled to keep reading. Very captivating.
January 17, 2019
Rewarding read!
Woodruff put together a grand collection of dark humor within the 26 Absurdities of Tragic Proportions. Each story has a unique look into the depths of dark humor. The author uses imagery and adventure, and of course, misadventure to bring these stories to life. The characters have a depth that brings the stories individual plots together, but also show the well-deserving of the collection together. I look forward to reading more by this new author.
Woodruff put together a grand collection of dark humor within the 26 Absurdities of Tragic Proportions. Each story has a unique look into the depths of dark humor. The author uses imagery and adventure, and of course, misadventure to bring these stories to life. The characters have a depth that brings the stories individual plots together, but also show the well-deserving of the collection together. I look forward to reading more by this new author.
September 16, 2024
Found this on Amazon via Bargainbooksy
It's based on Edward Gorey's alphabetical illustrations in 'The Gashlycrumb Tinies'. I didn't know anything about the TGT, but when the author says it's dark, it's really, really dark. They are all so very sad stories, some more than others (Hector). Some have an abrupt end (Fanny), others makes you wonder how a child thinks (Leo), one just didn't have any closure (Una). Editing needs another pass (monring, viola, etc.)
It's based on Edward Gorey's alphabetical illustrations in 'The Gashlycrumb Tinies'. I didn't know anything about the TGT, but when the author says it's dark, it's really, really dark. They are all so very sad stories, some more than others (Hector). Some have an abrupt end (Fanny), others makes you wonder how a child thinks (Leo), one just didn't have any closure (Una). Editing needs another pass (monring, viola, etc.)
December 23, 2018
This is one of my favorite books of the year. There are 26 short stories, each one that had an impact on me. They are all about human behavior, characteristics, chance and choice, and life and death. My favorites were LEO, CLARA, SUSAN, TITUS, AND YORICK.
This is the first book I have read by this author, but not my last.
This is the first book I have read by this author, but not my last.
December 23, 2018
Imaginative, funny, entirely frivolous, and a worthwhile read. Its punctuation needs another proofreading round, a flaw that normally distracts me from enjoying a book, but in this case the storytelling was so strong that I forgave and ignored the minor mechanical weaknesses.
April 27, 2019
Quirky little stories
I loved this book, it appealed to my warped sense of humor. Some stories were better than others but that’s how it usually works. I won this book in a giveaway but I will buy this author’s books. Truly enjoyed it!
I loved this book, it appealed to my warped sense of humor. Some stories were better than others but that’s how it usually works. I won this book in a giveaway but I will buy this author’s books. Truly enjoyed it!
May 13, 2019
Surely absurd
Truly absurd. Definitely sad. Intriguing and strange. These tales are not for the faint of heart nor for one looking for a happy ending. Nevertheless they are good reading.
Truly absurd. Definitely sad. Intriguing and strange. These tales are not for the faint of heart nor for one looking for a happy ending. Nevertheless they are good reading.
June 10, 2019
Childhood is not for sissies!
Many things happen in childhood; some of them not so welcome.The children in these stories had unwelcome events happen to them. Try not to enjoy them too much. Expect some laugh-out-loud moments.
Many things happen in childhood; some of them not so welcome.The children in these stories had unwelcome events happen to them. Try not to enjoy them too much. Expect some laugh-out-loud moments.
September 27, 2021
So much wasted potential
I was so excited to win this from Goodreads. I love Ed
ward Gorey and there was so much he could have done with this. But it was just a set of unoriginal stories where there were hints of weirdness, but he kept deciding not to go there
I was so excited to win this from Goodreads. I love Ed
ward Gorey and there was so much he could have done with this. But it was just a set of unoriginal stories where there were hints of weirdness, but he kept deciding not to go there
December 30, 2018
Short but endearing. Totally different but not to be missed.
December 6, 2019
A nice little series of stories describing the fates of all 26 of Edward Gorey’s Gashlycrumb Tinies. Both amusing and morose.
June 13, 2021
A strange but captivating book. I enjoyed the little stories although they made me a little sad at times.
July 27, 2021
Just as the title says, absurd, but in a good way. Easy to read and enjoyable, these short stories are a kind of twist on fairy tales for adults. Quick and fun read.
August 3, 2023
A good idea badly implemented.
June 22, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed the imaginative backstories for each of the 26 children! What a dreadful treat!
January 14, 2020
Wow
I finished in one day. I don’t usually read short stories but I did for a reading challenge. Like game of thrones on speed, you meet everyone, know their who,e story and live through their trauma all in ten pages.
I finished in one day. I don’t usually read short stories but I did for a reading challenge. Like game of thrones on speed, you meet everyone, know their who,e story and live through their trauma all in ten pages.
May 27, 2021
Best Book Ever? Of Course! A clever and witty adaptation of The Gashlycrumb Tinies by Edward Gorey. A backstory for each child.
PS. I wrote it.
PS. I wrote it.
July 7, 2021
Matthew Woodruff's "26 Absurdities of Tragic Proportions" is, as the title suggests, a collection of 26 stories of 26 children dying in absurd and tragic ways. Sometimes the tragedy can be seen in advance, such as in the case of Olive's dubious dealings with devious dwarves, other times it arrives spontaneously and even a bit unfairly, as in Susan's fatal first and only tantrum.
Still, despite the apparently dark subject matter, (who would normally write about the death of children?) Woodruff's stories are not (overly) dark or serious. Rather, there is a certain dark humor that can be discerned through these stories, hence their description of being "unusual and enjoyable." If you have ever read "Uncle Montague's Tales of Terror" by Chris Priestly as a child or Ryan North, Matthew Bennardo, and David Malki's "Machine of Death" anthology duology as an adult, you will know exactly the brand of humor I am talking about. In all, despite the title and the events that take place, Woodruff's book is a light and fun read about the unfairness of death, particularly in those that we would expect to otherwise be so full of life.
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Still, despite the apparently dark subject matter, (who would normally write about the death of children?) Woodruff's stories are not (overly) dark or serious. Rather, there is a certain dark humor that can be discerned through these stories, hence their description of being "unusual and enjoyable." If you have ever read "Uncle Montague's Tales of Terror" by Chris Priestly as a child or Ryan North, Matthew Bennardo, and David Malki's "Machine of Death" anthology duology as an adult, you will know exactly the brand of humor I am talking about. In all, despite the title and the events that take place, Woodruff's book is a light and fun read about the unfairness of death, particularly in those that we would expect to otherwise be so full of life.
I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews