The Line Between by peter s. beagle

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

A truly fantastic collection indeed.

I had the pleasure of reading "Two Hearts" as an electronic freebie, which perhaps serves as a testament to my status as a devoted fan of this author. So, it comes as no surprise that I absolutely adored this book.

The stories within this collection span a wide range. It starts off with humorous tales of animals, which immediately draw you in and put a smile on your face. Then, it transitions to the deeply poignant and sorrowful "Salt Wine", which tugs at your heartstrings.

But the entire collection is nothing short of magical. Whether it is set in an almost-real present day, with just a little twist that elevates it beyond the ordinary, or in a completely fantastical world where the possibilities are endless.

Take "Quarry" for example. I don't want to spoil it by revealing too much about the setting.

At its core, this collection is all about understanding humanity. The Sherlock Holmes story "Mr Sigerson" really brought this home for me. It shows that the difference between a victim and a victimizer can often lie in how the people involved perceive the situation. The same actions, when seen in different lights, can mean completely different things.

This collection is a must-read for anyone who loves a good story that will make them laugh, cry, and think.

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Marayder

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

There are some real gems in this book.

These are wonderful stories that I am certain I will revisit in the future.

For instance, "Salt Wine" and "Mr. Sigerson" are my absolute favorites.

However, there are also others, such as the short fables, that didn't quite resonate with me.

They seemed to fall sort of flat, lacking the depth and impact that I was hoping for.

This is the only reason why I couldn't give the collection as a whole a perfect 5 stars.

Despite this, the overall quality of the book is still quite high, and I would recommend it to others who enjoy reading a diverse range of stories.

The gems within it more than make up for the few that didn't quite hit the mark.

It's a collection that offers something for everyone, and I'm sure that many readers will find themselves drawn to different stories depending on their own interests and tastes.

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Riverscuomo

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

A wonderful view of skill and creativity

Skill and creativity combine to create a truly wonderful view. It is a sight that can leave us in awe and inspire us. When we witness the display of remarkable skills, whether it's in art, music, sports, or any other field, it is like opening a door to a world of limitless possibilities. The creativity that goes into it adds an extra layer of magic. It allows for the birth of unique and innovative ideas that push the boundaries of what is possible. This wonderful view not only showcases the talent of individuals but also serves as a source of motivation for others to explore their own skills and unleash their creativity. It reminds us that within each of us lies the potential to create something beautiful and extraordinary.

We should always strive to appreciate and celebrate this wonderful view of skill and creativity, as it enriches our lives and makes the world a more interesting and vibrant place.

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WolfGoddess77

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

I always held the firm belief that an author could only excel in writing within one particular genre. However, this remarkable collection of short stories has truly revolutionized my perspective. Peter S. Beagle showcases his extraordinary talent by penning fiction and mystery with the same level of wonder and magic as he does in the fantasy genre.

I was initially drawn to purchase this book due to the inclusion of "Two Hearts", which serves as a sequel to "The Last Unicorn". Naturally, I adored that story, and it has even kindled in me a desire to re-read "The Last Unicorn" once more.

I also derived great pleasure from reading the other stories within this collection. "Mr. Sigerson", a spinoff from Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes, was a captivating read. "Salt Wine" and "Dance for Emilia" were equally enchanting, each offering a unique and engaging narrative.

I find myself eagerly anticipating the opportunity to explore his other works, eager to discover the new worlds and stories that Peter S. Beagle has in store for his readers.

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Natsuki_SanJuan

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

"Two Hearts," "A Dance For Emilia," and "Salt Wine" are undoubtedly the finest stories within the collection.

The addition of "Two Hearts," the highly anticipated sequel to Beagle's unique fantasy novel THE LAST UNICORN, elevates my rating to a full five stars.

I have perused that story at least three times, and each time, I find myself weeping uncontrollably at the conclusion.

It is my sincere hope that Beagle indeed pen the sequel novel he has alluded to.

I am eager to discover the path he will lead Sooz down.

The emotional depth and captivating narrative of these stories truly make them stand out.

They have the power to transport readers to another world and evoke a wide range of emotions.

Whether it's the enchanting world of "Two Hearts" or the poignant tales of "A Dance For Emilia" and "Salt Wine," each story offers a unique and unforgettable experience.

I highly recommend this collection to all lovers of fantasy and great storytelling.

It is a must-read for anyone seeking to be immersed in a world of magic, romance, and adventure.

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Chapterhouse

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

In this remarkable collection, we encounter a mouse with an audacious decision to assume the role of a cat. Additionally, there are four captivating fables featuring a moth, a mighty T-rex, an intelligent octopus, and an ostrich. It also offers a return to the enchanting worlds of the Last Unicorn and the Inn Keeper's Song. Moreover, a young pair of siblings embark on a journey of discovery, uncovering their extraordinary magical abilities.

It is truly challenging to precisely define what makes Peter Beagle so exceptionally special. Other than perhaps everything! He is an exquisitely talented writer, with plots that are masterfully crafted and tightly woven. His characters are not only vivid but also make absolute sense within the context of the stories. His ideas range from the simple and quirky to the random, hilarious, and deeply poignant. I am at a loss to understand how he manages to seamlessly combine all of these diverse elements into one harmonious whole, yet he accomplishes this feat almost every single time. What's more, he excels at first person narratives like no other author I have ever had the pleasure of reading. Immersing oneself in a Peter Beagle story is like stepping into a perfectly crafted little spell, and every word he writes has the power to make me happy down to my very bones.

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sh1roooo

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

The stories in this collection were a bit of a mixed bag for me. Some were absolute gems, while others left me feeling a bit underwhelmed. However, in the end, I'm glad I took the time to read them all.

"Gordon, the Self-Made Cat" was an absolute delight. It's a charming story that would be perfect for reading aloud to a child. The illustrations are also very cute and add to the overall appeal of the story.

"Four Fables" were short and sweet, but they lacked a bit of substance. Each one had a nice moral, but they didn't really go into much depth.

"Two Hearts" was a wonderful follow-up to "The Last Unicorn". It was the main reason I bought the book, and it didn't disappoint. The story was touching and beautifully written.

"El Regalo" was an interesting story about two children and their encounter with witchcraft. There was something about it that didn't quite sit right with me, but I couldn't quite put my finger on what it was.

"Quarry" was a prequel to "The Innkeeper's Song", which I haven't read. I think I might have enjoyed this story more if I were familiar with the characters and the world of the book.

"Mr. Sigerson" was Beagle's attempt at writing a Sherlock Holmes story. While it was an interesting read, it didn't quite measure up to the original stories by Sir Conan Doyle.

"Salt Wine" was my favorite story in the collection. It was a unique and refreshing take on the mermaid tale. The characters were well-developed and the story had a great sense of atmosphere.

"A Dance for Emilia" was a semi-autobiographical story that was clearly based on people that Beagle loved. The characters were drawn with great care and detail, but the story itself felt a bit like a wish-fulfillment fantasy. It was a bit hard to suspend disbelief at times.

Overall, this collection of stories was a good read. While not every story was a winner, there were enough gems to make it worth my while. I would recommend it to fans of Peter S. Beagle and anyone who enjoys a good short story.

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GentleWrath

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

July 15,2025

Another excellent collection. I have no clue why I've put off reading Beagle's short work for so long.

Some highlights:

~ I've always felt there's something liminal about Beagle's writing, elusive and ineffable, and all those other words that teeter on the brink of language. Here, he tells it explicitly. When my children were small, I could keep them occupied by telling them a trick. That's what I've been doing all my life, trying to catch a glimpse of the unseen. As a writer, the line between is where I live. It's a precarious act, but it's what I do.

~ "Gordon the Self-Made Cat" is a great story, working as both a parable and a fun romp. Gordon and the blue Persian are excellent in all the important classes. They can meow in five different dialects.

~ Of Beagle's many voices, Sooz's from "Two Hearts" is a favorite. I wish to meet Sooz again, the 17-year-old who is ready to whistle. But I know it may never happen.

~ I like all of Beagle's child characters. Listen to Angie from "El Regalo". She has a unique way of thinking.

~ As I said before, Beagle has a rare penchant for describing the Other. It's chilling and disturbing, but also liberating. Here's an example from "Quarry".

~ Ah! This book is full of my countrymen! Here's the one in "Mr. Sigerson". The Greater Bornitz Municipal Orchestra has a weak lower strings section, but Volodya Andrichev is a passionate cellist. I liked him.

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