An Old Meerschaum From Coals Of Fire And Other Stories, Volume II. (of III.)   By: David Christie Murray (1847-1907)

David Christie Murray's collection of short stories in An Old Meerschaum From Coals Of Fire And Other Stories, Volume II (of III.) is a captivating read that delves into the depths of human emotions and experiences. The author's exceptional storytelling skills bring forth a range of characters and situations that leave readers pondering long after they have turned the last page.

Murray's mastery lies in his ability to paint vivid pictures with his words, immersing readers in the world he has created within these stories. From the hauntingly atmospheric settings to the nuanced dialogues, every aspect of the narrative is richly detailed and effortlessly transports readers to the time and place of each tale.

One of the most striking aspects of this collection is the wide range of themes explored. Murray fearlessly delves into the complexities of human nature, exploring subjects such as love, betrayal, greed, and redemption. Each story presents a fresh and unique perspective, showcasing the author's deep understanding of the human condition.

Moreover, Murray's characters feel remarkably real, with their flaws and virtues beautifully portrayed. Whether it is the remorseful thief seeking redemption or the conflicted lover torn between duty and desire, each character is authentically drawn, making it easy for readers to empathize with their triumphs and struggles.

The pacing of the stories is also worth noting, with Murray successfully crafting a balance between slow-burning narratives and heart-pounding climaxes. This allows readers to savor the intricate details of the plot while also keeping them engaged and eager to discover each story's outcome.

However, while the majority of the stories are compelling and thought-provoking, there were a few that fell short of the high standards set by the rest of the collection. These stories felt underdeveloped, lacking the depth and emotional resonance found in their counterparts. Nonetheless, Murray's overall storytelling prowess drowns out any minor flaws, ensuring that readers will find themselves engrossed in the majority of the book.

An Old Meerschaum From Coals Of Fire And Other Stories, Volume II (of III.) is a remarkable collection that showcases David Christie Murray's talent as a storyteller. With its poignant narratives, vivid descriptions, and well-drawn characters, this book is sure to captivate readers from start to finish.

First Page:

The market place at Trieste lay in a blaze of colour under the June sunlight. The scent of fruits and flowers was heavy on the air. A faint hearted breeze which scarcely dared to blow came up from the harbour now and again, and made the heat just bearable. Mr. William Holmes Barndale, of Barndale in the county of Surrey, and King's Bench Walk , Temple, sat in shadow in front of a restaurant with his legs comfortably thrust forth and his hat tilted over his eyes. He pulled his tawny beard lazily with one hand, and with the other caressed a great tumbler of iced beer. He was beautifully happy in his perfect idleness, and a sense was upon him of the eternal fitness of things in general. In the absolute serenity of his beatitude he fell asleep, with one hand still lazily clutching his beard, and the other still lingering lovingly near the great tumbler. This was surely not surprising, and on the face of things it would not have seemed that there was any reason for blushing at him. Yet a young lady, unmistakably English and undeniably pretty, gave a great start, beholding him, and blushed celestial rosy red. She was passing along the shady side of the square with papa and mamma, and the start and the blush came in with some hurried commonplace in answer to a commonplace... Continue reading book >>