Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 41 votes)
5 stars
13(32%)
4 stars
16(39%)
3 stars
12(29%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
41 reviews
July 15,2025
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I had the opportunity to meet Peter Beagle on one occasion, and he truly seemed like a very nice person. Therefore, I am rather disappointed that I am unable to give this a more favorable rating. He is truly remarkable when it comes to setting a mood and crafting an emotional experience, particularly with his short stories. This collection does indeed feature "Come Lady Death," which is one of my all-time favorite short stories. So, kudos for that.

However, the problem lies in the fact that his stories often lack conclusions. I have come to accept this, and I am able to enjoy his work while being aware that more likely than not, I will have more questions than answers upon finishing reading. With a collection of short works such as this one, it is best to simply relish the experience. And perhaps, that is precisely the point that he is attempting to convey.

Overall, while the lack of conclusions may be a drawback for some, Peter Beagle's ability to create a captivating atmosphere and evoke strong emotions cannot be denied. His stories have a unique charm that keeps readers engaged and思索ing long after they have turned the final page.
July 15,2025
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Peter S. Beagle is magic.

His words have the power to transport readers to otherworldly realms, filled with wonder and imagination.

Beagle's writing style is both enchanting and evocative, painting vivid pictures in the minds of his audience.

Whether he is telling a story of love and loss, or of adventure and discovery, his prose always manages to touch the heart and stir the soul.

His works have been beloved by generations of readers, and continue to inspire new fans with each passing year.

In short, Peter S. Beagle is a true master of the written word, and his magic shows no signs of fading anytime soon.

July 15,2025
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A truly hilarious collection of Beagle's work awaits! This compilation really had me in stitches for the most part. He has included some real world essays that he penned many years ago. They were just okay, and I couldn't help but wonder why he included them along with the collection of stories. Maybe it was to temper the emotions within the stories?


"Professor Gottesman and the Indian Rhinoceros" is by far the top pick among the voters when it comes to favorites, and I too fall into that category. "Julie's Unicorn" was a very odd piece. It had a certain flavor similar to that of Charles de Lint's works, perhaps that's why it was such a surreal read. But despite its oddness, it was still a satisfying story.


Here's a fun bit of trivia for you: did you know that Neil Gaiman's character Death from his Sandman series was inspired by Peter Beagle's "Come Lady Death"? You can ask Neil himself! He made this comment at Balticon 40. It's always interesting to discover these connections between different works and authors.

July 15,2025
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I have a deep affection for Peter Beagle.

This collection of short stories is truly delightful.

As I was reading, I continuously found myself with an urge to read them aloud.

It seemed that the stories took on an even more enchanting quality when heard.

I couldn't help but laugh out loud on several occasions, and there were also moments when I audibly oohed over the beautiful turns of phrase.

The way Beagle weaves words together is simply masterful.

Each story is a little gem, filled with charm, wit, and a touch of magic.

This book is without a doubt a good read.

It has the power to transport you to different worlds and make you feel a whole range of emotions.

Whether you're a fan of short stories or just looking for a captivating read, this book is sure to please.

I highly recommend it to anyone who appreciates great literature.

July 15,2025
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So the book turned out to be a collection of short stories.

My favorite among them was the one that the title of the collection is referring to, namely "Professor Gottesman and the Indian Rhinoceros", which is also the first story in the book.

The "Early Stories" such as "Telephone Call" and "My Daughter's Name is Sarah" are really cute and sweet. They bring a sense of warmth and simplicity.

However, at the end of the book, there are three non-fiction essays. To be honest, I didn't enjoy these as much as the short stories. *shrug* But then again, I checked out Beagle mainly for his fantasy works, not specifically for his essays. So, what can I really say? It's just that different parts of the book have different appeals to me.

Overall, despite not being overly fond of the essays, the collection of short stories still holds a certain charm and value.
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