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Staccato Notes of a Vanished Summer (from Literature and Life)   By: (1837-1920)

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Staccato Notes of a Vanished Summer is a compelling collection of stories by William Dean Howells, capturing the bittersweet essence of fleeting moments in life. Each story within this anthology paints a vivid picture of a summer season that is long gone but not forgotten.

Throughout the book, Howells skillfully weaves together stories that explore the depths of human emotions and relationships. From love and passion to regret and melancholy, the characters in these tales come alive, their experiences painting a rich tapestry of human existence.

What sets Howells apart is his ability to evoke strong emotions with concise, almost fragmented prose. The staccato-like writing style, which gives the book its title, adds to the overall impact of the stories. It creates an eerie sensation, much like the fading memories of a summer long past.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the collection is the way Howells portrays the passage of time. He captures the essence of nostalgia and the fleeting nature of youth, reminding readers of their own transient existence. The characters in these stories grapple with the weight of time as they reminisce, question their choices, and long for what is lost.

Furthermore, Howells seamlessly addresses various social issues of the time. Through different narratives, he tackles topics such as class divides, gender roles, and the struggles of everyday life. These thematic layers make the book not only an engaging read but also an insightful exploration of the human condition.

Although the stories in Staccato Notes of a Vanished Summer are relatively short, each one leaves a lasting impression. The brevity of the tales forces readers to pay attention to every word, making every line feel like a perfectly crafted brushstroke on a larger canvas.

In conclusion, Staccato Notes of a Vanished Summer is a masterfully written collection of stories that will strike a chord with anyone who has ever cherished a treasured memory of a summer long past. Howells' ability to evoke complex emotions within the constraints of concise prose is truly commendable. This book is a must-read for those who appreciate introspective literature that captures the essence of fleeting moments in life.

First Page:

LITERATURE AND LIFE Staccato Notes of a Vanished Summer

by William Dean Howells

STACCATO NOTES OF A VANISHED SUMMER

Monday afternoon the storm which had been beating up against the southeasterly wind nearly all day thickened, fold upon fold, in the northwest. The gale increased, and blackened the harbor and whitened the open sea beyond, where sail after sail appeared round the reef of Whaleback Light, and ran in a wild scamper for the safe anchorages within.

Since noon cautious coasters of all sorts had been dropping in with a casual air; the coal schooners and barges had rocked and nodded knowingly to one another, with their taper and truncated masts, on the breast of the invisible swell; and the flock of little yachts and pleasure boats which always fleck the bay huddled together in the safe waters. The craft that came scurrying in just before nightfall were mackerel seiners from Gloucester. They were all of one graceful shape and one size; they came with all sail set, taking the waning light like sunshine on their flying jibs, and trailing each two dories behind them, with their seines piled in black heaps between the thwarts. As soon as they came inside their jibs weakened and fell, and the anchor chains rattled from their bows. Before the dark hid them we could have counted sixty or seventy ships in the harbor, and as the night fell they improvised a little Venice under the hill with their lights, which twinkled rhythmically, like the lamps in the basin of St... Continue reading book >>




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