
As an Amazon Associate and affiliate partner, Menrva Books earns from qualifying purchases. Learn more
This volume is part of a series of novels, plays and stories intended for use at A Level. The complete, original text is accompanied by an introduction, activities for before, during and after study, as well as notes. Set against a world of violence and pain, Susan Hill's collection of stories focuses on the individual's struggle for hope. In each story there is a fresh look at the sinister side of life and death - who will survive and who will be destroyed?
In a world defined by pervasive violence and existential fragility, the characters in these stories confront the immediate threat of destruction while seeking remnants of hope. Each narrative centers on an individual navigating the sinister intersections of life and death, where the primary conflict arises from the tension between personal desire and external, often indifferent, forces. The collection utilizes varied perspectives to examine how human beings respond when their security is compromised by sudden, harsh realities. The narrative framework shifts between different protagonists, each facing a unique crisis that tests their resolve and moral boundaries.
Discussion often centers on the author's ability to maintain a consistent atmosphere of unease across disparate stories. Readers frequently highlight the stark contrast between the characters' mundane daily lives and the sudden, violent intrusions that define their fates. Critics note that the collection effectively balances character development with a focus on the thematic weight of mortality. The inclusion of study materials suggests the work is frequently utilized in academic settings to analyze narrative structure and tone. Many readers appreciate the concise yet impactful nature of the prose, which avoids unnecessary ornamentation while addressing complex existential questions.
Page Count:
192
Publication Date:
1973-01-01
Publisher:
Hamish Hamilton Ltd
ISBN-10:
0140040730
ISBN-13:
9780140040739
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!