Robert Barnard (1936 - 2013) is one of my favorite authors. He wrote about 50 novels between 1974 and 2012. Some were series books but a large number of his mysteries were standalones. I have read and enjoyed most of his series books, but the standalone books have the best plots and subtle humor.
The Habit of Widowhood is a collection of short stories by Barnard. There are 17 stories in 215 pages. Based on the stories I have read, his short stories are darker than most of his novels, but not unpleasantly so.
These are the six stories I read. They all involve a crime but they are not puzzle mysteries. Most are between 10-12 pages, a good length for me.
"Cupid's Dart"
An overprotected and sheltered young woman is pushed into an arranged marriage, with devastating results. This was my favorite story of the ones I read; I found it an intense and affecting read.
"The Habit of Widowhood"
A woman marries older men in order to inherit their money when they die. This happens too often and she eventually realizes she will have to move from town to town. Some of the marriages are very brief; some last a few months. The story is told by her great-great-grandson, using her diaries.
"Soldier, from the Wars Returning"
Description from the book cover: "A young soldier, home from World War I, is determined to live and love not just for himself, but for all his fallen comrades. But in doing so he enrages a number of husbands."
"Dog Television"
A dog witnesses a murder. A wonderful story and not so dark.
"The Women at the Funeral"
The story begins in 1891; Roderick, at 52 years of age, lives with his three sisters and his mother. He dies from tuberculosis. After her brother's funeral, the oldest sister, Alice, finds out that he had done some charitable deeds to support people less fortunate than he and his family. He was generous and Alice does not approve. Not a lot happens in this story, but I found it satisfying and a good read.
"Perfect Honeymoon"
David and Carol have chosen a small Greek island for their honeymoon. David is old-fashioned, timid, and has recently inherited a thriving business. Unfortunately their honeymoon is marred by the arrival of Joshua Swayne, one of Carol's old suitors.
16 comments:
I've been meaning to read more of Barnard for a while...thanks for the nudge! And glad you've enjoyed them.
I've read a dozen or so Barnard mysteries over the years. I'll have to pick up a copy of THE HABIT OF WIDOWHOOD. Sounds good!
These stories sound fun! I've not heard of Barnard before, so I'll have to do a little research.
Todd, it is always a thrill to find a book of short stories where I like all of them. Of course, I haven't read all the stories here, but I am optimistic. And they are a good length.
Oh, Tracy, this looks great! I like Barnard's writing very much, but I've not (yet) tried his short stories. These look very good and I'm glad you enjoyed them.
George, I am enjoying the stories. I will be looking for used copies of a couple of other of his books of short stories.
Kelly, I am not sure where and when I ran into Barnard's books. It was when I was much younger, maybe they had them at my library. Anyway, I liked them a lot so read quite a few of them over the years.
Margot, I had this book of short stories for a long time, and now I am sorry that I waited so long to read them.
I would buy that cover artwork. If I saw this is a shop, I would have to have it. And I love his writing, of course.
The cover of The Habit of Widowhood is enough to prime my interest!
Patti, it is a wonderful cover. I noticed that the cover art for the most recent book that I read by Barnard (The Mistress of Alderley) had similarities, and I found that the cover illustrator was the same for both: Robert Goldstrum. I have several other hardback novels by Barnard illustrated by him. All nice, but this one is the best.
Jenclair, I like the cover a lot. I have had this book so long I didn't even note when or where I bought it. Probably a book sale. But I have only become interested in short stories recently so I pulled it out to see how this author's short stories are. Often they are very different from their novels. Anyway, the cover was a pleasant surprise.
I read a couple of his novels back in the early nineties but didn't even know he wrote short stories. I'm a short story fan, so this is something new to check out.
Sam, Years ago I had planned to read some of these stories for a challenge but I never did. I am glad I finally read some of the stories. After I finish this book, I will be looking for copies of two other short story collections by Robert Barnard.
That cover is wonderful!
After reading your mini-para on the Mistress of Alderly, ie another Barnard book, in a previous post, I have just ordered a copy. I'm not a great fan of short stories, but who knows, maybe I will be tempted.
Moira, it is a nice cover and I let it sit hiding on a shelf too long. Barnard is another author that I want to get caught up on reading now. Barnard's short stories are amazing, very different than I expected, and not too long. But I sympathize, if you don't like that form, it is hard to push yourself to read it.
Post a Comment