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The Bell in the Fog and Other Stories   By: (1857-1948)

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The Bell in the Fog and Other Stories by Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton is a captivating collection of tales that will take readers on a journey through the darkest corners of human nature. Atherton's ability to weave together intricate plots with strong character development is evident in these twelve stories, each with its haunting and mysterious touch.

One of the standout stories is the titular "The Bell in the Fog," a chilling tale set in 19th-century England. The story unfolds around the enigmatic protagonist, Austin Brace, whose life is forever changed when he hears the sound of a bell tolling from the fog. Atherton expertly builds suspense, leaving readers eagerly turning the pages to uncover the mysterious connection between the bell and Brace's past. The gothic atmosphere and the exploration of guilt and redemption make it a standout in the collection.

Another notable story is "Death and the Woman." This haunting narrative examines the consequences of a woman's unrequited love through the lens of supernatural elements. Atherton's prose is filled with vivid imagery and emotional intensity, showcasing her ability to delve deep into the human psyche. The story's conclusion is both unexpected and thought-provoking, leaving readers with lingering questions about love and its power to consume.

Atherton's skill in crafting well-developed characters shines in each story. Whether it is the tragic figures haunted by their pasts or the morally ambiguous individuals grappling with their actions, the characters in these tales feel authentically human. The author skillfully reveals their desires, flaws, and vulnerabilities, drawing readers into their worlds and making them emotionally invested in their fates.

The Bell in the Fog and Other Stories is not just a collection of ghostly tales but a reflection on the complex duality of human nature. Atherton's exploration of themes such as love, regret, and morality adds depth to each story, making them resonate long after the book is finished. The author's writing style is atmospheric and evocative, painting vivid pictures of the settings and enhancing the eerie ambiance of the narratives.

While some stories may feel slightly dated in their cultural contexts, the underlying themes remain relevant and relatable. Atherton's ability to capture the essence of human experience, both in its light and dark aspects, is what makes this collection a timeless gem.

In conclusion, The Bell in the Fog and Other Stories is a haunting and compelling collection that showcases Atherton's mastery of the short story genre. With its atmospheric settings, complex characters, and exploration of universal themes, this book will appeal to lovers of gothic fiction and those who enjoy stories that leave an indelible mark on the reader's imagination. Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton's stories will continue to captivate and enthrall readers for generations to come.

First Page:

[Illustration: GERTRUDE ATHERTON]

The

Bell in the Fog

And Other Stories

By Gertrude Atherton

Author of "Rulers of Kings" "The Conqueror" etc.

New York and London Harper & Brothers Publishers :: 1905

To The Master

Henry James

Contents

I. THE BELL IN THE FOG

II. THE STRIDING PLACE

III. THE DEAD AND THE COUNTESS

IV. THE GREATEST GOOD OF THE GREATEST NUMBER

V. A MONARCH OF A SMALL SURVEY

VI. THE TRAGEDY OF A SNOB

VII. CROWNED WITH ONE CREST

VIII. DEATH AND THE WOMAN

IX. A PROLOGUE (TO AN UNWRITTEN PLAY)

X. TALBOT OF URSULA

I

The Bell in the Fog

I

The great author had realized one of the dreams of his ambitious youth, the possession of an ancestral hall in England. It was not so much the good American's reverence for ancestors that inspired the longing to consort with the ghosts of an ancient line, as artistic appreciation of the mellowness, the dignity, the aristocratic aloofness of walls that have sheltered, and furniture that has embraced, generations and generations of the dead. To mere wealth, only his astute and incomparably modern brain yielded respect; his ego raised its goose flesh at the sight of rooms furnished with a single check, conciliatory as the taste might be. The dumping of the old interiors of Europe into the glistening shells of the United States not only roused him almost to passionate protest, but offended his patriotism which he classified among his unworked ideals... Continue reading book >>




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