This is my very first encounter with Karen Blixen/Isak Dinesen, and I fell in love with her writing from the very first page. I was inspired by Victoria Mixon's "The Art and Craft of Fiction" to study her works, and I'm extremely glad that I did. In fact, I'm already planning to purchase everything written by this author. I rarely feel this passionate about an author's works.

Blixen reminds me a great deal of Flannery O'Connor. They share similarities in the use of religious imagery, the intensity of their characterizations, and the perplexing endings. Just as O'Connor makes me charmed by the Depression era and Post War South, Blixen makes me equally fascinated with 19th century Europe.

Much like with O'Connor, when I finish reading Blixen's works, I feel as if I've had a worshipful experience.

Pity the poor author who comes next in my reading list.

I can truly state that not a solitary story within this collection did I truly relish reading.

It is incomprehensible to me that Dinesen elected to set nearly everything 50+ years in the past. Perhaps the only explanation is that as a child of the manor house, she was already existing within an embalmed sphere of society that was aware their finest days had long since vanished.

Regrettably, even though writing during World War II, her choice to concentrate on the dreamy, hazy past days of the upper class results in a stilted and outdated language that actually causes the reader to think it was indeed penned by a sentimental amateur of the late 1800s.

The most exasperating aspect, however, is that there are intermittent moments of well-crafted descriptive writing. For instance, when a couple is strolling through a wood without conversing and arrives at a vista at the end. But then those moments are sabotaged when she once again speaks through her characters.

It seems that Dinesen's attempt to capture the essence of a bygone era falls short, leaving the reader with a sense of dissatisfaction and a desire for more engaging and contemporary storytelling.

Short story collections pose a challenge when it comes to rating. There are some that I liked, while others I simply hated.

To be honest, most of these stories didn't strike me as being as fairy tale-like as the description had led me to believe. This is partly due to the abundant religious references. In fact, I came up with a drinking game suggestion: take a shot every time she mentions "daily bread".

Another aspect that I would have appreciated is the inclusion of translations for the French and Latin phrases that are scattered throughout the collection. Without these translations, it can be a bit of a struggle to fully understand the intended meaning and context of those particular phrases.

Overall, while there were some elements that I enjoyed, the lack of a consistent fairy tale feel and the absence of translations for the foreign phrases somewhat detracted from my overall experience of the short story collection.

This series of stories has reminded me of several authors, from Joyce's Dubliners to Mann with his Death in Venice, and also through Wilde's stories in The House of Pomegranates. The settings and the eras described are different, but they all revolve around the central-northern European region.

Despite their diversity, there is a certain common thread given by the narrative style, which in both the most fantastic and the most realistic stories always maintains a dreamy and enchanting atmosphere.

It was my first encounter with Blixen and it certainly makes one want to continue reading her, especially since I chose the perfect moment to read winter stories.

This literary journey has been truly fascinating, allowing me to explore different worlds and emotions through the works of these great authors. I look forward to delving deeper into Blixen's writings and uncovering more of her unique charm.

The thin gray ribbon of a road that wound its way across the plain and up and down the hills was the concrete manifestation of the human desire, and of the human certainty that it is better to be in one place rather than another.

It is not perfection, nor a style that I particularly like, that of Karen Blixen's stories, but in some cases I cannot deny being struck. I may be in a "fainting" period, but "The Invincible Slave Owners", "Alkmene" and especially "Peter and Rosa" have caused me a thrill of emotion. And qualities (of another kind) I have also found in the fairy-tale "The Fish" and in "A Consolatory Tale", with its reflections on the relationship between artist and public.

Karen Blixen's works are like a complex tapestry, woven with different threads of emotions, ideas, and stories. Each story has its own charm and unique perspective, even if they don't always conform to our traditional notions of what makes a great piece of literature.

Her writing style may not be to everyone's taste, but it is undoubtedly rich and evocative. It has the power to transport us to different times and places, and to make us see the world from a new angle. Whether we are moved by her tales of love and loss, or intrigued by her philosophical musings, there is no denying the impact that Karen Blixen's works have had on readers around the world.

This book contains some fairy-tale elements, and mainly it is the tone.

Each tale could just as well start with "once upon a time." Dinesen confessed to being strongly influenced by the Romantics and rejected the so-called "realism" that was popular in Denmark at that time because she simply desired to tell beautiful stories.

However, only the sailor boy's story has elements of magical realism. The transforming power of the stories stems from their recognition of the intricacies of human nature.

In most of the stories, nothing "magical" occurs; it is the characters' awareness of foreign feelings and moments of insight that offer the "fairy-tale" endings.

The conclusions are astonishing, yet inevitable.

Overall, this book combines the charm of fairy tales with a deep understanding of human nature, creating a unique and captivating reading experience.

I went to Denmark, mainly to visit Karen Blixen's home. It is a truly beautiful place. The land around the house, including Blixen's grave, has been transformed into a bird sanctuary. The house is situated near the water. At least when I went there, the walk from the train station involved passing what appeared to be a Nor. Fjord breeding farm. There was even a restaurant with Blixen-inspired art work (quite pricey but very nice) and excellent food.

It seems rather strange that when reading Blixen's non-fiction, what stands out is her love for her farm in Africa. However, when reading her fiction, what comes across is her love for Denmark and its history. This dual love is actually mirrored in her house, with its African interior yet its Danish exterior.

In many aspects, too, the stories in this volume remind me of that house. For example, take "Sorrow Acre", the story that I always like the most in this volume ("The Cloak" is her best story, at least in my opinion). The story tells of a mother's desperate attempt to save her son, yet it juxtaposes this with a relationship between the old lord, his wife, and his nephew, Adam. The story not only evokes the Danish landscape but also Danish history. Adam had been away on a mission involving the punishment of Queen Caroline Mathlide. The Queen, wife of the insane Christian VII, had an affair with her husband's physician Johann Friedrich Struensee, some time after she gave birth to the heir. The two lovers ruled for a brief period (she as queen, he as prime minister) during which Caroline gave birth to a daughter. They lost power to Christian VII's step-mother. Struensee was executed, and Caroline was imprisoned in Helsingor (Elsinore) castle, in what can best be described as a cell before she was sent into exile in Hanover. She never saw either of her children after her imprisonment. This whole story looms over Blixen's story and its theme of youth versus age, for the Queen and her lover were more popular than the step-mother, at least among the common people.

What also pervades these stories is the theme of the influence of art and sailing. There are stories that resemble fairy tales, and a Charles Dickens-like presence wanders through two of the stories. But there is also a sense of loss, especially in the two stories that deal with children, in particular "The Dreaming Child" and its question of who exactly is dreaming - the child, the wife, or the reader? Blixen suffered a miscarriage at one point during her time on her farm (the child was Denys Finch-Hatton's). A reader has to wonder if these stories, written years after her experience, express in some way her desire for a child. (Is the power of the wives and the weakness of the husbands a comment on her marriage?)

Perhaps it is this question that makes Blixen one of the more honest writers. At times her stories don't seem to be going anywhere, then suddenly, like much in life, something occurs, a small event becomes large, something changes, and the meaning becomes clear. The stories are small studies in art, the soul, the craft, and love.

If you are ready for a detox from thrillers, horrors, romance and other categories, here is a recommendation.

It's time to return to the factory settings of a human being. In this fast-paced and often overwhelming world, we are bombarded with various forms of entertainment that can sometimes have a negative impact on our mental and emotional well-being.

By taking a break from these intense and sometimes addictive genres, we can give our minds and hearts a chance to rest and rejuvenate.

We can explore other areas of life, such as nature, art, or simply spending quality time with loved ones.

This detox can help us regain our balance and perspective, and allow us to approach life with a fresh and more positive outlook.

So, if you feel like you need a break from the chaos and excitement, consider giving yourself a detox and returning to the simple pleasures of life.

Isak Dinesen's book, filled with ornate and Baroque prose, stands on an unreachable echelon.

It is distinct from any writer of literature today or even from her own era. Her stories have the power to transport readers to a bygone period.

During that time, thinking and intelligence were characterized by elegance and refinement, smoothness, and a touch of religiosity. Stories like "The Invincible Slave-Owner" and "The Sailor-Boy's Tale" showcase Dinesen's profound knowledge of Danish folklore and Baroque description.

However, it's important to note that this is not easy reading. The messages may be simple, but they are dense.

Due to the flamboyance and extravagant complexity for which she is internationally renowned, it's very easy to overlook these simple truths. Her themes are similar to those of any writer: strength, courage in adversity, love, and so on.

But it is the way these themes are conveyed that makes her tales remarkable. Isak Dinesen, also known as Baroness Karen Blixen, had a less than ideal childhood, and her tales seem to suggest this.

They transport the reader to places that seem unreachable, yet her life does not overshadow the beautiful intelligence and language she is able to convey. Dinesen was twice nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature, losing to Ernest Hemingway and Albert Camus.

For more information on her life and stories, one can read Judith Thurman's "Life of a Storyteller: The Biography of Isak Dinesen."

I really struggled to get through this collection of short stories.

The quasi-religious and mythical tone and subject matter simply didn't appeal to my taste.

Moreover, the deliberately antiquated writing style made it even more difficult for me to engage with the stories.

I have to admit that I felt like I completely missed the point on approximately 80% of the stories.

And in the remaining 20%, the point was so blatantly obvious that I couldn't help but wonder why the author bothered to write them in the first place.

I recall reading some of Dinesen's short stories during my college days and actually liking them.

But now, I'm not sure if those were her absolute best works or if my taste has simply evolved over time.

Oh well. :-)

Love her deeply.

The Man with the Pink Carnation is truly my all-time favorite. It has a charm and allure that simply cannot be ignored. The story unfolds in a captivating manner, drawing the reader in from the very beginning.

The Blue Jar, on the other hand, is also an amazing story. It has its own unique flavor and essence that makes it stand out. The characters are well-developed and the plot is engaging, keeping the reader hooked until the very end.

Both of these stories have a special place in my heart, and I will always cherish them. They are like precious gems that shine bright and bring joy and inspiration to my life.

I love her for introducing me to these wonderful stories, and I look forward to many more such literary treasures in the future.

Eleven beautiful stories that inspire hope, resilience, and independence. These captivating tales are mostly set in Denmark, and each one is meticulously crafted to reveal both our humanity and our foibles. "Winter's Tales" was published by Karen Blixen in 1942, five years after "Out of Africa." Even when reviewers wrote beautiful prose, I often turn to Eudora Welty's review. She said, "In her tales, one of the extraordinary things is that the spell - for they lie in the realm of magic and romance - gets done by the speed of wit, takes its turn within the circle of morality, and keeps its hold through irony....they come toward one like the flashes and signal beams from a lighthouse on a strange and infrequently sighted coast."

These stories have the power to transport readers to a different world, filled with wonder and mystery. They explore the depths of human emotions and the complex nature of our existence. Through Blixen's masterful storytelling, we are able to see the beauty and the flaws in ourselves and in those around us. The tales are like a lighthouse in the storm, guiding us towards hope and resilience in the face of life's challenges.

Whether you are a fan of magical realism or simply enjoy a good story, "Winter's Tales" is sure to delight and inspire. Blixen's unique voice and her ability to create vivid and unforgettable characters make this collection a must-read for anyone who loves literature.