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The Most Dangerous Game
The Most Dangerous Game features a big-game hunter from New York who becomes shipwrecked on an isolated island in the Caribbean and is hunted by a Russian aristocrat.
48 pages, Paperback
First published January 19, 1924
2622 people are currently reading
23390 people want to read
About the author
Richard Connell
117 books106 followersRichard Edward Connell, Jr. was an American author and journalist, best known for his short story "The Most Dangerous Game." Connell was one of the best-known American short story writers of his time and his stories appeared in the Saturday Evening Post and Collier's Weekly. Connell had equal success as a journalist and screenwriter. He was nominated for an Academy Award in 1942 for best original story for the film Meet John Doe.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,927 reviews
November 17, 2011
A Goodreads Pop Quiz:
QUESTION: What do Gilligan, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Homer Simpson and this Star Trek alien** have in common?
ANSWER (select the one that best applies):
1. None of them could act their way out of a puff of smoke.
2. They all starred in adaptations of Richard Connell’s famous short story “The Most Dangerous Game.”
3. They are all very happy NOT to be Jan Michael Vincent.
4. All of the above.
Yes, it was an easy, soft ball of a question; the correct answer is 4.
**Removing the last vestiges of doubt regarding my nerdness, the alien is "Tosk" from the Star Trek DS9 episode, “Captive Pursuit.”
UNNECESSARY PLOT SUMMARY:
Given the number of movies and TV shows that have adapted the plot of this story, I feel dumb even summarizing it. Therefore, I will be brief, like Kim Kardashian's marriage.
Big game hunting expert and luminary, Sanger Rainsford, falls off his yacht in the Caribbean and winds up on the island ofDr. Moreau General Zaroff and his towering, gigantinormous Cossack servant Ivan. General Zaroff, a fellow hunter and admirer of Rainsford has grown bored with the ease of murdering even the most dangerous of big game.
Removing his moral compass and setting it behind the glass of rationalization never to be touched again, the General has cured his malaise by tracking and huntingsoylent green people.
Next target….Rainsford.
THOUGHTS:
Intelligent, well-written and a lot of fun. General Zaroff is a wonderful nemesis and Connell’s development of him at the beginning of the story was impressive. He could have been content to portray Zaroff as a one-dimensional, cardboard sociopath, but Connell gives the general depth and a backstory. This does not excuse or provide a basis for acceptance of Zaroff’s actions, but it does make him relatable and thus far more sinister. He is cold, detached and brutal but he is also well educated, polite and a rugged class of gentlemen who has, if not a sense of honor, at least a sense of good sportsmanship. All of this simply makes Zaroff appear more diabolical.
Rainsford for his part is tough, clever and competent and provides a suitable counter-point to Zaroff in the tale. Rainsford navigates the plot effectively and makes reasoned decisions without inducing pangs of “don’t do that idiot” from the reader. He is a more than worthy adversary for the General.
Oh, and I loved the ending of the story. I thought it was appropriate and subtle and perfectly in keeping with the tone of the story.
To put a line at the bottom of this review, this is a classic short story that merits the title and is one that I would politely impel people to peruse if they have not done so. Being acquainted with the plot didn’t hamper my delectation of the story and I don’t believe it will impede yours.
4.0 stars. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
QUESTION: What do Gilligan, Jean-Claude Van Damme, Homer Simpson and this Star Trek alien** have in common?
ANSWER (select the one that best applies):
1. None of them could act their way out of a puff of smoke.
2. They all starred in adaptations of Richard Connell’s famous short story “The Most Dangerous Game.”
3. They are all very happy NOT to be Jan Michael Vincent.
4. All of the above.
Yes, it was an easy, soft ball of a question; the correct answer is 4.
**Removing the last vestiges of doubt regarding my nerdness, the alien is "Tosk" from the Star Trek DS9 episode, “Captive Pursuit.”
Given the number of movies and TV shows that have adapted the plot of this story, I feel dumb even summarizing it. Therefore, I will be brief, like Kim Kardashian's marriage.
Big game hunting expert and luminary, Sanger Rainsford, falls off his yacht in the Caribbean and winds up on the island of
Removing his moral compass and setting it behind the glass of rationalization never to be touched again, the General has cured his malaise by tracking and hunting
Next target….Rainsford.
THOUGHTS:
Intelligent, well-written and a lot of fun. General Zaroff is a wonderful nemesis and Connell’s development of him at the beginning of the story was impressive. He could have been content to portray Zaroff as a one-dimensional, cardboard sociopath, but Connell gives the general depth and a backstory. This does not excuse or provide a basis for acceptance of Zaroff’s actions, but it does make him relatable and thus far more sinister. He is cold, detached and brutal but he is also well educated, polite and a rugged class of gentlemen who has, if not a sense of honor, at least a sense of good sportsmanship. All of this simply makes Zaroff appear more diabolical.
Rainsford for his part is tough, clever and competent and provides a suitable counter-point to Zaroff in the tale. Rainsford navigates the plot effectively and makes reasoned decisions without inducing pangs of “don’t do that idiot” from the reader. He is a more than worthy adversary for the General.
Oh, and I loved the ending of the story. I thought it was appropriate and subtle and perfectly in keeping with the tone of the story.
To put a line at the bottom of this review, this is a classic short story that merits the title and is one that I would politely impel people to peruse if they have not done so. Being acquainted with the plot didn’t hamper my delectation of the story and I don’t believe it will impede yours.
4.0 stars. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!
September 13, 2018
Richard Connell’s The Most Dangerous Game is one of the most enduring and timeless short stories ever penned. Its reputation is well deserved, as Connell grabs the reader instantly and spins a tale that while exciting, has broader implications than a simple adventure tale. It is probably most famous today due to the film starring Joel McCrea and Fay Wray, which was shot around the same time as King Kong and used many of the same sets. Connell's short story, while not having the feminine character or her brother, is equally atmospheric, and terribly exciting.
Big Game hunter and writer Sanger Rainsford and his friend Whitney are aboard a yacht somewhere in the Caribbean, on their way to Brazil to hunt jaguars. There is talk of a nervous crew as they pass Ship-Trap Island, a mysterious place the sailors dread. The talk of Rainsford and Whitney turns to the hunt, and it is this conversation between the two men about what the jaguar does or does not feel while being stalked that lies at the heart of this tale.
Shots are fired, and in an effort to discover what is happening on deck, Sanger falls overboard, making a harrowing escape to said island. There he discovers not madness, but the ultimate extension of himself. The “hunt” which eventually ensues is tremendously exciting, the brevity of the story creating great movement in the narrative.
Sanger, General Zaroff, and his towering right-hand man, Ivan, are memorable in this thrilling tale of adventure which also ponders larger questions. Connell was perhaps most successful at the short story, a slew of them published in The Saturday Evening Post and Collier’s. But he was also a journalist and screenwriter. Though Robert Riskin wrote the screenplay for Frank Capra’s wonderful film, Meet John Doe, the original film treatment was written by Connell and Robert Presell, who received an Academy Award nomination for it.
Despite its age, this tale feels timeless, and is near perfect. On the technical side, there are a few typos in the transfer to Kindle, but rare, so not too distracting. A thrilling story everyone who loves the short story form should read. Marvelous stuff.
Big Game hunter and writer Sanger Rainsford and his friend Whitney are aboard a yacht somewhere in the Caribbean, on their way to Brazil to hunt jaguars. There is talk of a nervous crew as they pass Ship-Trap Island, a mysterious place the sailors dread. The talk of Rainsford and Whitney turns to the hunt, and it is this conversation between the two men about what the jaguar does or does not feel while being stalked that lies at the heart of this tale.
Shots are fired, and in an effort to discover what is happening on deck, Sanger falls overboard, making a harrowing escape to said island. There he discovers not madness, but the ultimate extension of himself. The “hunt” which eventually ensues is tremendously exciting, the brevity of the story creating great movement in the narrative.
Sanger, General Zaroff, and his towering right-hand man, Ivan, are memorable in this thrilling tale of adventure which also ponders larger questions. Connell was perhaps most successful at the short story, a slew of them published in The Saturday Evening Post and Collier’s. But he was also a journalist and screenwriter. Though Robert Riskin wrote the screenplay for Frank Capra’s wonderful film, Meet John Doe, the original film treatment was written by Connell and Robert Presell, who received an Academy Award nomination for it.
Despite its age, this tale feels timeless, and is near perfect. On the technical side, there are a few typos in the transfer to Kindle, but rare, so not too distracting. A thrilling story everyone who loves the short story form should read. Marvelous stuff.
July 13, 2022
" اللعبة الأكثر خطورةً "
" يتكون العالم من فئتين الصيادين و الطرائد ، لحسن الحظ أننا من الصيادين ، أليس كذلك؟".
عرف الإنسان الصيد من زمن بعيد من أجل جلد و لحم و عظام الحيوان ، و لكن ما لبثَ أن صار الصيد رياضة للترفيه يقوم بها عِلية القوم بداية من المصريين القدماء مرورا باليونانيين و الرومانيين و حتي عصرنا الحالي.
و لكن هل فكرنا من قبل ما هو شعور ذلك الحيوان و ماذا يراه ؟
" إنه لا يفهم ... و لكن رغم ذلك أعتقد أنه يفهم شيئا واحدا الخوف ، الخوف من الألم ، الخوف من الموت".
رينسوفورد صيادٌ بارع ، يذهب في رحلة بحرية من نيويورك لإحدى الجزر من أجل رياضة الصيد ، و لكن يصل رينسوفورد - رغماً عنه - لجزيرة أخرى منعزلة تُحاك حولها الأساطير.
ليتفاجأ رينسوفورد بوجود قصرٍ مهيب في الجزيرة يسكنه عجوز فيستضيفه ، لتبدأ هنا اللعبة الأكثر خطورة ، ما يفعله هذا الرجل العجوز هنا بمنأي عن العالم ؟
قصة قصيرة كلاسيكية نُشرت 1924 ممتعة و مرعبة و لها فيلم قديم كذلك و مازالت الأفلام و المسلسلات تقتبس من هذا العمل حتى الآن .
و لِنرى كيف يمكن للمللِ أن يجعل الشخص يفعل المستحيل لكسره.
هسيب لينك القصة مترجم تحت 🤩✨
" يتكون العالم من فئتين الصيادين و الطرائد ، لحسن الحظ أننا من الصيادين ، أليس كذلك؟".
عرف الإنسان الصيد من زمن بعيد من أجل جلد و لحم و عظام الحيوان ، و لكن ما لبثَ أن صار الصيد رياضة للترفيه يقوم بها عِلية القوم بداية من المصريين القدماء مرورا باليونانيين و الرومانيين و حتي عصرنا الحالي.
و لكن هل فكرنا من قبل ما هو شعور ذلك الحيوان و ماذا يراه ؟
" إنه لا يفهم ... و لكن رغم ذلك أعتقد أنه يفهم شيئا واحدا الخوف ، الخوف من الألم ، الخوف من الموت".
رينسوفورد صيادٌ بارع ، يذهب في رحلة بحرية من نيويورك لإحدى الجزر من أجل رياضة الصيد ، و لكن يصل رينسوفورد - رغماً عنه - لجزيرة أخرى منعزلة تُحاك حولها الأساطير.
ليتفاجأ رينسوفورد بوجود قصرٍ مهيب في الجزيرة يسكنه عجوز فيستضيفه ، لتبدأ هنا اللعبة الأكثر خطورة ، ما يفعله هذا الرجل العجوز هنا بمنأي عن العالم ؟
قصة قصيرة كلاسيكية نُشرت 1924 ممتعة و مرعبة و لها فيلم قديم كذلك و مازالت الأفلام و المسلسلات تقتبس من هذا العمل حتى الآن .
و لِنرى كيف يمكن للمللِ أن يجعل الشخص يفعل المستحيل لكسره.
هسيب لينك القصة مترجم تحت 🤩✨
November 12, 2022
5★
“‘Off there to the right—somewhere—is a large island,’ said Whitney.
‘It's rather a mystery—’
‘What island is it?’ Rainsford asked.
‘The old charts call it “Ship-Trap Island,” Whitney replied. ‘A suggestive name, isn't it? Sailors have a curious dread of the place. I don't know why. Some superstition—’
This is why I love short stories. It’s a wonderful, well-known classic, first published in 1924. Who needs a whole novel? Who needs The Hunger Games? I wouldn’t be surprised if this was the inspiration (but don’t quote me) if only a subconscious one.
It’s a dark night when Rainsford, an experienced American hunter is aboard a yacht with Whitney, headed for new hunting grounds. Whitney comments.
“‘We should have some good hunting up the Amazon. Great sport, hunting.’
‘The best sport in the world.’ agreed Rainsford.
‘For the hunter.’ amended Whitney. ‘Not for the jaguar.’
‘Don't talk rot, Whitney,’ said Rainsford. ‘You're a big-game hunter, not a philosopher. Who cares how a jaguar feels?’
‘Perhaps the jaguar does,’ observed Whitney.
‘Bah! They've no understanding.’
‘Even so, I rather think they understand one thing—fear. The fear of pain and the fear of death.’
‘Nonsense,’ laughed Rainsford. ‘This hot weather is making you soft, Whitney. Be a realist. The world is made up of two classes—the hunters and the huntees. Luckily, you and I are hunters. Do you think we've passed that island yet?’”
It’s not giving anything away to say NO, they haven’t. Whitney goes below to turn in for the night while Rainsford enjoys a smoke of his favourite pipe on deck. When the pipe falls overboard . . .
I’ve given it 5 stars for what I think it would have been like to read it for the first time, before becoming jaded by the current overload of grisly thrillers. There was a short film also, which I haven’t seen but which is also a classic of its kind, I think.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0023238/
This is now in the public domain and you can download it on the Goodreads page for the title.
I read it years ago and was reminded of it just today. Hope you enjoy it, too!
https://www.goodreads.com/ebooks/down...
“‘Off there to the right—somewhere—is a large island,’ said Whitney.
‘It's rather a mystery—’
‘What island is it?’ Rainsford asked.
‘The old charts call it “Ship-Trap Island,” Whitney replied. ‘A suggestive name, isn't it? Sailors have a curious dread of the place. I don't know why. Some superstition—’
This is why I love short stories. It’s a wonderful, well-known classic, first published in 1924. Who needs a whole novel? Who needs The Hunger Games? I wouldn’t be surprised if this was the inspiration (but don’t quote me) if only a subconscious one.
It’s a dark night when Rainsford, an experienced American hunter is aboard a yacht with Whitney, headed for new hunting grounds. Whitney comments.
“‘We should have some good hunting up the Amazon. Great sport, hunting.’
‘The best sport in the world.’ agreed Rainsford.
‘For the hunter.’ amended Whitney. ‘Not for the jaguar.’
‘Don't talk rot, Whitney,’ said Rainsford. ‘You're a big-game hunter, not a philosopher. Who cares how a jaguar feels?’
‘Perhaps the jaguar does,’ observed Whitney.
‘Bah! They've no understanding.’
‘Even so, I rather think they understand one thing—fear. The fear of pain and the fear of death.’
‘Nonsense,’ laughed Rainsford. ‘This hot weather is making you soft, Whitney. Be a realist. The world is made up of two classes—the hunters and the huntees. Luckily, you and I are hunters. Do you think we've passed that island yet?’”
It’s not giving anything away to say NO, they haven’t. Whitney goes below to turn in for the night while Rainsford enjoys a smoke of his favourite pipe on deck. When the pipe falls overboard . . .
I’ve given it 5 stars for what I think it would have been like to read it for the first time, before becoming jaded by the current overload of grisly thrillers. There was a short film also, which I haven’t seen but which is also a classic of its kind, I think.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0023238/
This is now in the public domain and you can download it on the Goodreads page for the title.
I read it years ago and was reminded of it just today. Hope you enjoy it, too!
https://www.goodreads.com/ebooks/down...
March 1, 2017
A man accidentally falls off a yacht at night, luckily (or unluckily) close to an ominous, dark island. He soon discovers it is inhabited by a Russian big game hunter who has become bored with his easy success, and has now taken up hunting Man as it proves to be a bigger, more entertaining challenge. Very well written and certainly deserves it's inclusion in the "50 greatest short stories" list.
June 3, 2017
The Most Dangerous Game, by Richard Connell. A very short classic story published in 1924. Regardless of the length, I don't think I have been more scared by any book. The story begins as 2 friends, skilled big game hunters, are sailing in the Caribbean on their way to hunt jaguar along the Amazon River. One of the men loses his footing and falls overboard while on a moonlit stroll around the deck. What happened to him is for you to find out. I don't do spoilers! Leave it to say that you should read this in a well lit area, preferably with company or a large mastiff. The writing is incredible but horrifying. I salute Mr. Connell.
April 27, 2023
My favorite part of this 1924 story was a brief but satisfying cameo appearance by BORSCH, as in "the rich, red soup with whipped cream so dear to Russian palates". Excuse me for a second while I salivate.
This story of murder/hunt for entertainment sake may have inspired The Running Man, Battle Royale or The Hunger Games. It aged well despite being almost 90 years old (spiffy Grandpa!). The story is well-written, quick and short (only 48 pages) and has a non-contrived logical and satisfying (even if predictable) ending.
"Great sport, hunting."Rainsford is a hunter who (very conveniently for the plot purposes of this very compact story) utters statements such as, "The world is made up of two classes—the hunters and the huntees. Luckily, you and I are hunters." Just a few pages later, having fallen off his yacht, he comes across a depraved Russian emigree General Zaroff. The two man share a common passion - hunting. What they don't share is the idea that Rainsford should become prey in Zaroff's boredom-induced hunting game on a secluded tropical island. Rainsford, as you can imagine, is not too thrilled.
"The best sport in the world," agreed Rainsford.
"For the hunter," amended Whitney. "Not for the jaguar."
"Life is for the strong, to be lived by the strong, and, if needs be, taken by the strong. The weak of the world were put here to give the strong pleasure. I am strong. Why should I not use my gift? If I wish to hunt, why should I not?"The strength of the story is the antagonist. General Zaroff is a perfect villain - gentlemanly calm, brutal, sociopatically-pleasant, competent, and rather sinister in his almost-supernatural hunter skill. His attitude towards his cat-and-mouse hunting game with his prisoners is effectively chilling.
This story of murder/hunt for entertainment sake may have inspired The Running Man, Battle Royale or The Hunger Games. It aged well despite being almost 90 years old (spiffy Grandpa!). The story is well-written, quick and short (only 48 pages) and has a non-contrived logical and satisfying (even if predictable) ending.
He had never slept in a better bed, Rainsford decided.
March 19, 2011
I read this in college, in a "Lit" class. It was one of those exercises where the Professor gives you two stories and your supposed to compare them "qualitatively". I don't remember what the second story was, I found this one vastly superior...and really "ticked off" the prof. You see, I was 30 when I went back to school to get a degree and apparently didn't have the "proper deference" for the professor's....position. The man was an elitist snob who was impressed enough with himself for all of us anyway. I have trouble with someone who believes he can tell everyone else "what's" to be found in a piece of fiction. Maybe he can tell me what the writer said was in it...but to tell others what to find there still gets under my skin.
By the way, I graduated with honors in spite of butting heads with a couple of profs...
This is a well know story, it's been made into a movie, been used as the basis of other movies, for episodes of various TV series and copied unashamedly by hosts of writers. The rabid crazed hunter who, when people end up on his island, forces them to serve as "game" for his hunt. The story begins when this has been going on for a while and a well known hunter (the sane variety who hunts as it should be done) lands on the island and is in turn forced to be "the game".
By the way, I graduated with honors in spite of butting heads with a couple of profs...
This is a well know story, it's been made into a movie, been used as the basis of other movies, for episodes of various TV series and copied unashamedly by hosts of writers. The rabid crazed hunter who, when people end up on his island, forces them to serve as "game" for his hunt. The story begins when this has been going on for a while and a well known hunter (the sane variety who hunts as it should be done) lands on the island and is in turn forced to be "the game".
October 14, 2024
تحمل القصة القصيرة "الفريسة الأخطر" طابع فلسفي ومُشوق، عن صياد يجد نفسه مواجهة فريسة خطيرة، لم يكن في حسبانه أن يواجهها، ولكنه يوضع في تحدي، يجب أن يفوز به، ليس فقط من أجل المكسب، ولكن لينجو بحياته، من تلك الجزيرة الملعونة، والقصر القابع به، مُفترس، وصياد من الدرجة الأولى، فيُصبح الصياد فريسة، وتنقلب الأمور، ولا توجد أي فرصة للهروب، فأين المفر؟
القصة قد تُعد بمثابة رمزية طويلة عن توحش البشر، وطرقهم في القتل التي تتوحش وتتعدى الحيوانات، فتصبح شهوة الدم تجري في دمائهم، وأن الملل مع شهوة الدم قد يجعلنا نشهد وحوش آدمية، في مظهر العملية والتسلية وإلى آخره من تلك المبررات.
قصة تنتهي في جلسة، ونهايتها بها إلتواءة جيدة، وجدير بالذكر أنها نُشرت لأول مرة بعام 1924، فبشكلاً ما قد تكون أول عمل أدبي يحمل هذه التيمة التي تكررت كثيراً بعد ذلك.
يُنصح بها.
September 15, 2022
|| 3.0 stars ||
This is a story about a professional hunter, who gets stranded on an island that has a very strange inhabitant. This inhabitant is a hunter as well, but explains that he has gotten bored of the hunting game, and now prefers to hunt more exciting animals.
After a rather menacing exposition, these newly hunted animals turn out to be humans, and thus, the stranded hunter soon finds himself prey in the most dangerous game he has ever played.
I thought the concept of this story was very intriguing. The psychology and morality behind a hunter suddenly finding himself be a prey, and not being all too keen on that, is definitely interesting.
The tone of the story is creepy, but the writing could have been a little more engaging.
Overall, I enjoyed reading it and I liked the idea behind it.
This is a story about a professional hunter, who gets stranded on an island that has a very strange inhabitant. This inhabitant is a hunter as well, but explains that he has gotten bored of the hunting game, and now prefers to hunt more exciting animals.
After a rather menacing exposition, these newly hunted animals turn out to be humans, and thus, the stranded hunter soon finds himself prey in the most dangerous game he has ever played.
I thought the concept of this story was very intriguing. The psychology and morality behind a hunter suddenly finding himself be a prey, and not being all too keen on that, is definitely interesting.
The tone of the story is creepy, but the writing could have been a little more engaging.
Overall, I enjoyed reading it and I liked the idea behind it.
November 22, 2020
4 stars
After crashing on an allegedly deserted island, big-game hunter Sanger Rainsford encounters a mysterious man named General Zaroff and his mute servant Ivan. Turns out, Zaroff is also a hunter, but he hunts a more dangerous game...
Connell utilises irony, perspective, and tone to meld the reader's perspective of the story. The murky, gothic-like atmosphere brings out a sense of dread, which not only increases the fear-factor of the story, but also inspires animosity towards human action, whether Zaroff's cruelty or Rainsford's hypocrisy. The shift in perspective, heavily foreshadowed with irony, forces to reader to be on the tips on their toes as they see Zaroff and Rainsford go head to head. My favorite area of this story was the parallels between Zaroff and Rainsford as well as what those relationships mean about revenge and justifying violence. In fact, the violence itself was portrayed in a peculiar way: throughout the novel it is in your face, until the ending, when perhaps the most atrocious deed is comitted.
A thought provoking, intense, 30 minute read. I recommend.
After crashing on an allegedly deserted island, big-game hunter Sanger Rainsford encounters a mysterious man named General Zaroff and his mute servant Ivan. Turns out, Zaroff is also a hunter, but he hunts a more dangerous game...
Connell utilises irony, perspective, and tone to meld the reader's perspective of the story. The murky, gothic-like atmosphere brings out a sense of dread, which not only increases the fear-factor of the story, but also inspires animosity towards human action, whether Zaroff's cruelty or Rainsford's hypocrisy. The shift in perspective, heavily foreshadowed with irony, forces to reader to be on the tips on their toes as they see Zaroff and Rainsford go head to head. My favorite area of this story was the parallels between Zaroff and Rainsford as well as what those relationships mean about revenge and justifying violence. In fact, the violence itself was portrayed in a peculiar way: throughout the novel it is in your face, until the ending, when perhaps the most atrocious deed is comitted.
A thought provoking, intense, 30 minute read. I recommend.
October 25, 2017
You can listen to this story on YouTube.
I've seen many film adaptations of The Most Dangerous Game, but I've never read it until now.
I liked it and I think the ending was befitting of General Zaroff.
He had never slept in a better bed, Rainsford decided.
I've seen many film adaptations of The Most Dangerous Game, but I've never read it until now.
I liked it and I think the ending was befitting of General Zaroff.
He had never slept in a better bed, Rainsford decided.
April 13, 2017
3.5 stars rounded up
April 12, 2017
I loved it!!! One of my favorite stories. Very memorable and has stuck with me for years. First read it when student teaching in 1996 in a 9th grade literature class. What a thrilling story. It has some really beautiful writing. Some of my favorites are:
"Ugh! It's like moist velvet." (Rainsford speaking of the night.)
"The best sport in the world," agreed Rainsford.
"For the hunter," amended Whitney. "Not for the jaguar."
"Don't talk rot, Whitney," said Rainsford. "You're a big-game hunter, not a philosopher. Who cares how a jaguar feels?"
"Perhaps the jaguar does," observed Whitney.
"His eyes made out the shadowy outlines of a palatial chateau; it was set on a high bluff, and three sides of it cliffs dived down to where the sea licked greedy lips in the shadows."
I don't like hunting. Personally I am an activist for animals. Rainsford's attitude is that of many. The story unfolds and without giving away much ...the plot is a fast paced and edge of seat thriller. The ending is superb. If you want a quick read and adventure story, this one will hold you til the end. My advice is to sit back in front of the fire with a drink or hot tea and hold your kitty cat tight. Enjoy the ride.
"Ugh! It's like moist velvet." (Rainsford speaking of the night.)
"The best sport in the world," agreed Rainsford.
"For the hunter," amended Whitney. "Not for the jaguar."
"Don't talk rot, Whitney," said Rainsford. "You're a big-game hunter, not a philosopher. Who cares how a jaguar feels?"
"Perhaps the jaguar does," observed Whitney.
"His eyes made out the shadowy outlines of a palatial chateau; it was set on a high bluff, and three sides of it cliffs dived down to where the sea licked greedy lips in the shadows."
I don't like hunting. Personally I am an activist for animals. Rainsford's attitude is that of many. The story unfolds and without giving away much ...the plot is a fast paced and edge of seat thriller. The ending is superb. If you want a quick read and adventure story, this one will hold you til the end. My advice is to sit back in front of the fire with a drink or hot tea and hold your kitty cat tight. Enjoy the ride.
May 15, 2024
حلوة وصغيرة وموترة ولكن حسيت أنها أقصر من اللازم تحتاج تفاصيل أكثر كانت هتكون ممتعة اكتر لو في تفاصيل أكثر والجميل أنها ليها فيلم بعنوان
The most dangerous game
هشوف الفيلم واجي اعمل الابديت عن رأيي في الفيلم 😂♥️
تمّت 14/5/2024 📖
The most dangerous game
هشوف الفيلم واجي اعمل الابديت عن رأيي في الفيلم 😂♥️
تمّت 14/5/2024 📖
December 22, 2024
The hunter has become the prey! What a fun romp through this testosterone-filled adventure. Leave your emotions at the door because this short story is all about survival instincts. Cry babies need not apply. I found the conclusion comical. Sport for sports sakes.
January 6, 2025
we watched the movie in class and I ship so hard
November 23, 2018
I've always enjoyed the 1932 film version of The Most Dangerous Game, but this is the first time I've read the short story that it was based on. I was prompted to pick it up after reading the latest Jack Reacher novel by Lee Child & thought that it reminded me of the old movie. Still, if you're going to borrow a plot idea then you might as well borrow one of the best.
Although Richard Connell's story has been filmed many times (& adapted in many ways) it's incredible how refreshing this 1924 story is for its age. In a world where authors produce ever longer stories it's wonderful to see so much tension conveyed in so few words. What a classic.
Although Richard Connell's story has been filmed many times (& adapted in many ways) it's incredible how refreshing this 1924 story is for its age. In a world where authors produce ever longer stories it's wonderful to see so much tension conveyed in so few words. What a classic.
July 16, 2025
Damn, I loved this!
I'm pretty sure I read it as a kid. AND pretty sure I saw a film based on the story. What creepy fun this was. I can see why it's considered a classic.
So this short story is sort of a non-dystopian version of The Hunger Games before the Hunger Games came to be! And if I remember correctly the film was terrifying.
So a man falls off a boat while on his way to a hunt. He loves hunting. He loves that feeling of control. He is convinced there is nothing wrong with what he is doing because his quarry is after all only animals and animals can't feel that scared.
But then he falls into the warm waters of the sea. And he swims to safety. But just how safe will he be when he finds out the mess he's walked into and the irony that now befalls him?
What I adored besides the fast-paced adrenalin-fueled aspect is the poetic prose, especially at the beginning. . You almost feel like you're on the boat with them.
So I'd say this is a must-read. It's a damn good story and at the end, even though it's a short story, you kind of feel like you read a fill-length book! Highly recommended.
I'm pretty sure I read it as a kid. AND pretty sure I saw a film based on the story. What creepy fun this was. I can see why it's considered a classic.
So this short story is sort of a non-dystopian version of The Hunger Games before the Hunger Games came to be! And if I remember correctly the film was terrifying.
So a man falls off a boat while on his way to a hunt. He loves hunting. He loves that feeling of control. He is convinced there is nothing wrong with what he is doing because his quarry is after all only animals and animals can't feel that scared.
But then he falls into the warm waters of the sea. And he swims to safety. But just how safe will he be when he finds out the mess he's walked into and the irony that now befalls him?
What I adored besides the fast-paced adrenalin-fueled aspect is the poetic prose, especially at the beginning. . You almost feel like you're on the boat with them.
So I'd say this is a must-read. It's a damn good story and at the end, even though it's a short story, you kind of feel like you read a fill-length book! Highly recommended.
January 23, 2023
Read this v early on. It’s suspenseful and intriguing and in the end serves up just deserts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2014
An excellent short story of about 8000 words that I read every decade or so & still get a thrill out of. It should be well known by everyone after all the movies, acknowledgements, & outright rip-offs of the plot. If you don't know it, it is a must-read & is available for free here:
http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Mos...
There is a scary amount of realism to the story, especially in the time that it was written. Best - or possibly worst - is how easy it is for me to understand the General's POV. His logic is perfectly horrible, the circumstances readily believable, & the ending always leaves me wondering about what comes next. Was it his injury that changed the General or just time & circumstance? What about Rainsford? It's not just a question of how thin the veneer of civilization is, but just how easily a human being can rationalize even the most barbarous acts & clothe them in civility.
The economy of the writing is one of its biggest assets. Connell manages to paint a perfectly eerie setting, wonderfully full-blown characters, & carry through days worth of action with very few words. I never felt I wanted more detail, though. What isn't said is either easily filled in by my own imagination or as intriguing as what is said.
The only thing I disliked about this story was This isn't a terrible flaw, but it never fails to detract just a bit from the story.
For more information about the story & a list of all the film adaptations, read here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Most...
http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Mos...
There is a scary amount of realism to the story, especially in the time that it was written. Best - or possibly worst - is how easy it is for me to understand the General's POV. His logic is perfectly horrible, the circumstances readily believable, & the ending always leaves me wondering about what comes next. Was it his injury that changed the General or just time & circumstance? What about Rainsford? It's not just a question of how thin the veneer of civilization is, but just how easily a human being can rationalize even the most barbarous acts & clothe them in civility.
The economy of the writing is one of its biggest assets. Connell manages to paint a perfectly eerie setting, wonderfully full-blown characters, & carry through days worth of action with very few words. I never felt I wanted more detail, though. What isn't said is either easily filled in by my own imagination or as intriguing as what is said.
The only thing I disliked about this story was This isn't a terrible flaw, but it never fails to detract just a bit from the story.
For more information about the story & a list of all the film adaptations, read here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Most...
August 19, 2019
Comprei este livro porque:
1. estava em promoção;
2. gosto da editora;
3. atraem-me capas vermelhas;
4. desconhecia o autor;
5. principalmente porque li a sinopse, folhei-o, dei-lhe uma quantas voltas e não consegui perceber de que se tratava. Como ando com medo de estar a perder o gosto pela leitura (quase tudo me parece "mais do mesmo"), não pensei mais (até parece que penso muito antes de comprar livros...).
Então, é assim:
1. A primeira parte é um conto sobre um náufrago que encontra a salvação numa ilha. Aí apenas existe um castelo onde vive o conde Zaroff, um russo que se entretém a caçar o animal mais perigoso que existe...
2. A segunda parte é o argumento do filme, baseado no conto, dirigido por Ernest B. Schoedsack em 1932.
Embora a história não me surpreendesse, porque vi uns quantos filmes sobre este tipo de caçadas, foi uma leitura diferente e interessante.
1. estava em promoção;
2. gosto da editora;
3. atraem-me capas vermelhas;
4. desconhecia o autor;
5. principalmente porque li a sinopse, folhei-o, dei-lhe uma quantas voltas e não consegui perceber de que se tratava. Como ando com medo de estar a perder o gosto pela leitura (quase tudo me parece "mais do mesmo"), não pensei mais (até parece que penso muito antes de comprar livros...).
Então, é assim:
1. A primeira parte é um conto sobre um náufrago que encontra a salvação numa ilha. Aí apenas existe um castelo onde vive o conde Zaroff, um russo que se entretém a caçar o animal mais perigoso que existe...
2. A segunda parte é o argumento do filme, baseado no conto, dirigido por Ernest B. Schoedsack em 1932.
Embora a história não me surpreendesse, porque vi uns quantos filmes sobre este tipo de caçadas, foi uma leitura diferente e interessante.
June 30, 2017
I read this little short story when I was about 12 or 13 years old, in what we called grammar school, some 50 years ago. It has always been in the background of my memory as a story that gave me the desire to read and explore the world of literature. I had to reread this again, and thanks to Bobby Underwood I remembered this great classic and found it. Thanks Bobby, it was a fun read, one I'll probably read again sometime if I live long enough. It is a masterpiece of classic literature IMHO. Maybe l'm just being nostalgic in my Old Age. I hope not, it was a great re-read and I enjoyed it immensely!
July 4, 2024
From 1924
When hunting animals gets boring because they’re not smart enough, the hunter turns to humans.
This story about men hunting men was filmed multiple times and was incredibly influential.
I’ve never read it before or seen a movie of it.
But I did love the Talmadge Powell story The Ultimate Prey, which uses the same plot. It is from fifty years later. 1974.
When hunting animals gets boring because they’re not smart enough, the hunter turns to humans.
This story about men hunting men was filmed multiple times and was incredibly influential.
I’ve never read it before or seen a movie of it.
But I did love the Talmadge Powell story The Ultimate Prey, which uses the same plot. It is from fifty years later. 1974.
July 23, 2019
The whole reason of reading this short story was because I'd forgotten to bring a book with me at work so I could read during my coffee break, So a colleague of mine handed a book over & insisted on reading specifically this story in it so we could talk about it later. I did. & now I regret!
The first two pages were amusing enough, but the rest of it was a real boredom to me. God I just wanted it to be over! Thanks to my dear brain which can connect lots of things together, I could guess the "surprise point", remembering an episode of the black mirror series, long before the talkative psychopath General Zarrof could reach to the point where that naive hunter-author Rainsford could spit some bow-wow out & rise against it. And I suppose Zarrof deeply misunderstood the point of Darwin's theory when he was talking nonsenses which meant that absolutely anything is allowed for the strong to be done; which was so selfish of him!
I cannot say it was a disaster because it was not; there were some high ranked collocations to learn, but I really didn't enjoy the story as I was expecting to. I made a good skimming-practice out of it, though. But if I don't enjoy, I don't learn.
The first two pages were amusing enough, but the rest of it was a real boredom to me. God I just wanted it to be over! Thanks to my dear brain which can connect lots of things together, I could guess the "surprise point", remembering an episode of the black mirror series, long before the talkative psychopath General Zarrof could reach to the point where that naive hunter-author Rainsford could spit some bow-wow out & rise against it. And I suppose Zarrof deeply misunderstood the point of Darwin's theory when he was talking nonsenses which meant that absolutely anything is allowed for the strong to be done; which was so selfish of him!
I cannot say it was a disaster because it was not; there were some high ranked collocations to learn, but I really didn't enjoy the story as I was expecting to. I made a good skimming-practice out of it, though. But if I don't enjoy, I don't learn.
December 22, 2022
“Sometimes I think evil is a tangible thing - with wave lengths, just as sound and light have.”
The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell is one of the most memorable and timeless short stories ever written. Its reputation is well-deserved, as Connell immediately captures the reader's attention and crafts a story that, although entertaining, has larger ramifications than a conventional adventure story.
The jungle, teeming, untamed, and primally violent, is a striking representation of Zaroff's twisted psyche and the turmoil within the island, making him a compelling villain.
Connell blurs the barrier between hunter and prey, human and animal, by pitting Rainsford and General Zaroff against one other in the hunt, implying that impulse and intellect are not as mutually exclusive as people have generally believed.
A timeless and exciting tale.
The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell is one of the most memorable and timeless short stories ever written. Its reputation is well-deserved, as Connell immediately captures the reader's attention and crafts a story that, although entertaining, has larger ramifications than a conventional adventure story.
The jungle, teeming, untamed, and primally violent, is a striking representation of Zaroff's twisted psyche and the turmoil within the island, making him a compelling villain.
Connell blurs the barrier between hunter and prey, human and animal, by pitting Rainsford and General Zaroff against one other in the hunt, implying that impulse and intellect are not as mutually exclusive as people have generally believed.
A timeless and exciting tale.
December 14, 2020
I blame my school for this.
The three components of this book:
- misogyny
- Hitler's "perfect race" mindset
- insensitivity
The three components of this book:
- misogyny
- Hitler's "perfect race" mindset
- insensitivity
May 9, 2024
3.5/5
نوفيللا مشوقة ومثيرة تحبس الأنفاس
لولا نهاية كانت تستحق مساحة وتفاصيل أكثر لاستحقت 4 نجمات كاملة
نوفيللا مشوقة ومثيرة تحبس الأنفاس
لولا نهاية كانت تستحق مساحة وتفاصيل أكثر لاستحقت 4 نجمات كاملة
April 30, 2021
3.5⭐
Just finished reading The Sound of His Horn and saw many references in the reviews to this short story. I now see why, as this is the tale that kicked off the whole 'hunting humans' genre- from Sheckley's Tenth Victim to more movies and TV shows than I ever could count.
It tells the story of an American hunter who falls off his yacht and ends up on a tropical island owned by a sinister Russian general, who's also a fanatical big game hunter. But the general's killed at least one of just about everything and is bored, except by 'the most dangerous game of all.'
The story holds up remarkably well for its age (1924). Certainly some of the language is dated but for the most part the prose is economical and descriptive. Certainly it may seem cliched but after all, it was the first time out for many of these ideas. The whole story has an authentic 'roaring Twenties' feel to it which makes it more convincing, imho.
Great way to spend half an hour.
Just finished reading The Sound of His Horn and saw many references in the reviews to this short story. I now see why, as this is the tale that kicked off the whole 'hunting humans' genre- from Sheckley's Tenth Victim to more movies and TV shows than I ever could count.
It tells the story of an American hunter who falls off his yacht and ends up on a tropical island owned by a sinister Russian general, who's also a fanatical big game hunter. But the general's killed at least one of just about everything and is bored, except by 'the most dangerous game of all.'
The story holds up remarkably well for its age (1924). Certainly some of the language is dated but for the most part the prose is economical and descriptive. Certainly it may seem cliched but after all, it was the first time out for many of these ideas. The whole story has an authentic 'roaring Twenties' feel to it which makes it more convincing, imho.
Great way to spend half an hour.
September 5, 2021
“Sometimes I think evil is a tangible thing - with wave lengths, just as sound and light have.”
The Most Dangerous Game is a 1924 48-page story with suspense and action. Alleged, by Wikipedia, to be the “most popular short story ever written in English.” That may be true, but I had not known of it until recently, nor had I heard of the author (who seems not to have written much). The Wiki also claimed the story served, in part, as inspiration for creating the game paintball in 1981. Little did I know I’d come away with useless trivia when I was simply looking for a great audio book to relieve my boredom doing yard chores.
The tense narration by Edward French had my attention from the start and was over too soon for my like. I hardly noticed my task was complete I was so riveted by the story unfolding. The ending was perfect too!
Being a book to film fan, I watched the 1932 film adaption of this story by the same name. It was amusing but not wholly positive. The acting and set had a cheesy feel, kind of like an old Tarzan movie. I was surprised by the gore – not something I would have guessed to be in a film of this period. The adaption mostly followed the book with few alterations, like an added a love interest and mildly altered ending. I wouldn’t rate it over 3-stars, although one thing had me laughing (but this wasn’t a humorous film) and was probably worth my time watching it. The opening scenes occurred on a ship in the water, and what I saw on screen was the image of the scene being tilted gently back and forth in a rocking motion. How weird was that?
If you have an hour of time that you need lightened, the audio is available on Hoopla or read/listened at Open Library.
*Note: The story involves hunting animals for sport.
The Most Dangerous Game is a 1924 48-page story with suspense and action. Alleged, by Wikipedia, to be the “most popular short story ever written in English.” That may be true, but I had not known of it until recently, nor had I heard of the author (who seems not to have written much). The Wiki also claimed the story served, in part, as inspiration for creating the game paintball in 1981. Little did I know I’d come away with useless trivia when I was simply looking for a great audio book to relieve my boredom doing yard chores.
The tense narration by Edward French had my attention from the start and was over too soon for my like. I hardly noticed my task was complete I was so riveted by the story unfolding. The ending was perfect too!
Being a book to film fan, I watched the 1932 film adaption of this story by the same name. It was amusing but not wholly positive. The acting and set had a cheesy feel, kind of like an old Tarzan movie. I was surprised by the gore – not something I would have guessed to be in a film of this period. The adaption mostly followed the book with few alterations, like an added a love interest and mildly altered ending. I wouldn’t rate it over 3-stars, although one thing had me laughing (but this wasn’t a humorous film) and was probably worth my time watching it. The opening scenes occurred on a ship in the water, and what I saw on screen was the image of the scene being tilted gently back and forth in a rocking motion. How weird was that?
If you have an hour of time that you need lightened, the audio is available on Hoopla or read/listened at Open Library.
*Note: The story involves hunting animals for sport.
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