A supernatural tale, delightfully told about a magical transport only available to the pure in heart. I loved the idea and I loved the writing.

included in "The Golden Argosy" edited by Cartmell and Grayson

Having only known Forster as a novelist, I was surprised (though perhaps I should not have been) by the potency of these few short stories. Simple enough in their prose, their themes are, by Forster's own label, fantastic, and mysterious. I can see how more cynical readers might be inclined to roll their eyes at the romantic, humanist themes--indeed, they might seem to verge on the melodramatic for a modern audience--but I found the passion of Forster's convictions refreshing and inspiring. If there is anything to complain about with this petite collection, it's that, even in just six stories, the themes (the liberatory power of natural world, the way that the rules and categories of so-called civilized society destroy the human spirit, the proximity of both the very young and the very old to some hidden cosmic truth) become repetitive. By the sixth story, some novelty had worn off. Nevertheless, this collection one of my new favorites.

An enjoyable collection of stories based on classic Greek myths with occasional modern twists. They reminded me a bit of the classic Russian short stories in George Saunders' "A Swim in a Pond in the Rain" if only because they were so sparse and so direct, without any wasted words, written by the masters.

I particularly enjoyed "The Road From Colonus" about the true pains of aging and being forgotten or overlooked, "Other Kingdom" about a young woman rebelling against the restraints of her domineering modern fiance, and the title story.

I don't know anything about Forster's novels, but I'd gladly read more shorts.

Great story. Reminds of Lovecraft a bit.