Book #34 for 2013

This is an eclectic assortment of short works from Peter S Beagle. I have to say that I definitely liked some of them more than others. However, even when a piece wasn't the sort of thing I don't usually go in for, each one still managed to work for me.

"Julie's Unicorn" was easily my favorite. Its unexpected blending of magic systems in a modern, urban setting was truly captivating. But "Lila the Werewolf" also showcased Beagle's sly humor, and "Professor Gottesman and the Indian Rhinoceros" was at once fanciful and poignant.

It doesn't feel accurate to say that the quality is uneven in this collection. Instead, the tone varies considerably throughout. For instance, some of the nonfiction pieces were heavier than I was expecting. "The Poor People's Campaign" in particular humbled me by how little I know or understand of the Civil Rights movement. But Beagle did an excellent job of schooling me, putting me, the reader, right in the thick of the action and bringing it to life.

I would highly recommend this to any Peter Beagle fan. I also think that most people would be able to find at least one piece here that they would find resonance with. Beagle is a writer who truly knows how to resonate with his readers.

An exquisite collection of short stories awaits you.

These stories are not just words on a page; they are like precious gems that sparkle with unique charm.

Once you start reading, you will be drawn into their captivating worlds and find it impossible to forget them.

Each story has a texture all of its own, as if it were handcrafted with care and precision.

The characters come alive, the settings are vividly described, and the plots are filled with twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat.

Whether you are a fan of mystery, romance, or adventure, this collection has something for everyone.

So, pick up this book and prepare to be transported to a world of literary delight.

This anthology of fantasy short stories and a few essays was truly my introduction to the remarkable work of Peter Beagle.

As I delved into the pages of this book, I was immediately captivated by the unique charm and undeniable fun that Beagle's writing exuded. Each story was like a magical portal, transporting me to different and enchanting worlds.

The vivid descriptions, engaging characters, and imaginative plots made it impossible to put the book down.

By the time I reached the final page, I was so thoroughly impressed that I wasted no time in ordering more anthologies of Beagle's work.

I couldn't wait to explore more of his literary creations and continue to be charmed by his storytelling prowess.

This anthology had truly opened my eyes to the wonderful world of Peter Beagle's writing, and I was eager to see what else he had in store for me.

I really gotta get this book.

Every time I visit the bookstore, I just can't help but sneak-read a page or two.

It's like the book is calling out to me, luring me with its interesting content.

I find myself constantly drawn to it, unable to resist the temptation.

I know I can't keep doing this.

I need to own this book and be able to read it whenever I want, without having to worry about getting caught or only getting a few snippets at a time.

So, I've made up my mind.

The next time I go to the bookstore, I'm going to buy this book and take it home with me.

I can't wait to fully immerse myself in its pages and discover all the wonderful things it has to offer.

This anthology truly left me with a plethora of thoughts swirling in my mind.

I found myself thoroughly enjoying the early works within it. It was fascinating to observe how his writing evolved and improved over time. Not only that, but his unique writing voice had been firmly established, which was truly remarkable.

His pacing was also on point, keeping me engaged from start to finish.

But it was his essays that really stood out to me. They were so thought-provoking and profound that I know they will stay with me for a long, long time.

I will continue to reflect on the ideas and emotions he conveyed through his words, and I look forward to exploring more of his work in the future.

This anthology has definitely made a lasting impression on me, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who has a passion for great literature.

I am extremely impressed with Peter S. Beagle. This remarkable individual truly has a profound understanding of how to tell a story. He has the unique ability to effortlessly slip into the mind of the narrator, thereby endowing each story with a distinct and captivating voice.

I find it rather challenging to accurately describe this. Let's just say, for instance, that this collection encompasses a few of his earliest published works, those penned during his college years. And initially, I must admit, I was skeptical. I typically don't have a great affinity for "early" works because, unless I am truly痴迷 with the author, they are likely not of high quality. Additionally, I didn't have a particular fondness for the characters, settings, or topics. However, the fact that I completed these early stories and thought to myself, "wow..." truly speaks volumes about Beagle's prowess as a writer.

Putting that aside, this collection contains two stories that simply blew my mind. Both "Salt Wine" and "The Naga" were exquisitely elegiac. Especially "Salt Wine". It is an absolute must-read.

The reason why this review doesn't award it more stars is that I really didn't care for the essays, and the title story along with a couple of others were mostly just "Meh." Nevertheless, I would give "Salt Wine" and "The Naga" both 5 stars individually. "Two-Hearts" was also quite good.

Collection of short stories and essays.

I had the opportunity to speak to Peter S. Beagle at a book fair. He passionately shared that this particular collection was his personal favorite among all his books.

However, my own experience with it was a bit different. While the essay about D.H. Lawrence was indeed interesting, offering unique insights and perspectives, overall, I wasn't as thrilled as he seemed to be.

Nonetheless, it's hard not to enjoy a story about a Rhinoceros who firmly insists that it's a unicorn. The absurdity and charm of such a tale add a certain element of fun and whimsy to the collection.

Perhaps with further exploration and a more open mind, I might come to appreciate this collection in the same way that Peter S. Beagle does.

Until then, I'll continue to explore the various stories and essays within it, hoping to discover more hidden gems and unexpected pleasures.

The night after I delved into the titular story of this remarkable book, I found myself in the realm of dreams. In this dream, I was the proud owner of two rather extraordinary pets. There was a mischievous fox, always up to some sort of antics that would get it into trouble. And then there was a talking baby hippo, whose presence brought a sense of calm and wisdom. The baby hippo would use its clever words and gentle nature to help me extricate the fox from its various predicaments.

I believe that any author whose writing style has the power to seep into one's subconscious and influence dreams in such a vivid and imaginative way truly deserves a rating of five stars. It is a testament to their skill and creativity that they can transport readers to such fantastical worlds, even in the realm of sleep.

This dream not only left a lasting impression on me but also made me appreciate the magic that can be found within the pages of a great book. It is a reminder of the limitless possibilities that await us when we open our minds and allow ourselves to be swept away by the power of storytelling.

I'm not one who is overly fond of short stories. In fact, I usually find them a bit lacking in depth and substance. However, these particular short stories that I recently came across were truly remarkable.

Each one had a unique charm and managed to captivate my attention from the very beginning. The authors had a wonderful way of creating vivid characters and setting the stage in just a few short paragraphs.

The plots were engaging and filled with unexpected twists and turns that kept me on the edge of my seat. I was completely immersed in the worlds that the stories created and found myself reluctant to put the book down.

Overall, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed these short stories. They proved to me that even in a limited amount of space, a talented author can create a memorable and impactful piece of literature. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a quick and enjoyable read.

Ah, his voice, his voice!

Peter S. Beagle and Patricia McKillip both possess a remarkable talent for writing fantasy. Their works have a unique quality that makes them read like beautiful poetry or ancient folk stories. It's as if these tales have been around for centuries, passed down from one generation to the next. The language they use sounds so old and wise, adding an air of mystery and authenticity to their stories. One gets the sense that these are not just ordinary fantasies but rather something that has endured through the ages. It's truly fabulous how they are able to create such enchanting worlds and characters that draw the reader in and make them believe in the impossible.

Peter S. Beagle is a truly unique novelist. He has penned remarkable short stories such as "A Fine and Private Place" and the enchanting "The Last Unicorn."

The title story of the latter is a captivating tale about the long and extraordinary friendship between a philosophy professor and a rhinoceros (or perhaps a unicorn) that only he can see. Each evening, they engage in profound philosophical debates.

Beagle also made a significant contribution to the world of film by writing the script for an animated version of "The Lord of the Rings" in the 70's. As a ten-year-old who had already devoured that trilogy ten times, I can attest that his version is far superior to the movie. This is especially true when it comes to Eowyn's confrontation with the witch king.

Back then, my interpretation of faerie was quite rigid, and I would not have found either the animated version or the movie acceptable. However, with the passage of time and having studied many different genres, I can now approach interpretations in a broader context.

I believe that the movie adopted Beagle's interpretation of the orcs' march that Sam and Frodo have to join, although it was presented visually in a very different way. Here is the link (I hope): https://youtu.be/YdXQJS3Yv0Y

At Balticon 40, a remarkable event took place as Neil Gaiman and Peter S. Beagle shared the stage for the very first time.

During this encounter, Gaiman made a fascinating revelation. He disclosed that his character Death from "The Sandman" was actually inspired by Beagle's short story, "Come Lady Death". This interesting tidbit added an extra layer of intrigue to the already captivating evening.

However, aside from this notable connection, the namesake of this short story anthology truly stands out as the jewel of the bunch. It is a deeply poignant and absurdist tale. It tells the story of a philosophical rhinoceros that fancies itself a unicorn, and the lonely intellectual old professor who forms a friendship with it. The narrative is rich in its exploration of themes such as identity, perception, and the power of friendship.

While the other tales in the anthology may not have been as strong or richly textured, I firmly believe that these two tales alone were more than worth my purchase of the whole collection. They offer unique perspectives and engaging stories that leave a lasting impression on the reader.

Overall, this anthology is a must-read for fans of both Gaiman and Beagle, as well as for those who appreciate thought-provoking and imaginative short stories.