Bliss, and Other Stories

· Otbebookpublishing
Ebook
168
Pages
Eligible
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About this ebook

Bliss and Other Stories is a 1920 collection of short stories by the writer Katherine Mansfield. Mansfield's writing is lovely, even thrilling in places (that scene in 'Bliss' when Bertha sees her husband in the hall...) and while the alignments to Woolf are clear, the style is also reminiscent at times of Colette and look forward to Jean Rhys. Observant, perceptive, capturing moments of subjectivity and interiority in motion, attentive to gender and gendered (mis)understandings, sometimes wickedly witty ("It begins with an incredibly beautiful line: 'Why Must It Always Be Tomato Soup?'") these are little moments of life being lived, not always happily, but captured indelibly. (Goodreads)

About the author

Katherine Mansfield, born Kathleen Mansfield Beauchamp on October 14, 1888, in Wellington, New Zealand, is celebrated as one of the most influential modernist writers of the early 20th century. Her pioneering short stories, characterized by their psychological depth and innovative narrative techniques, have left an indelible mark on the literary world.Mansfield's life was as compelling as her fiction. She moved to London at the age of 19, immersing herself in the vibrant literary circles of the time. Her relationships with prominent figures like D.H. Lawrence and Virginia Woolf were both tumultuous and inspiring. Woolf, in particular, admired Mansfield's work, despite their often fraught friendship, and considered her a rival.Mansfield's writing broke away from traditional storytelling, focusing instead on the inner lives of her characters and the fleeting moments of human experience. Her stories often explored themes of identity, isolation, and the complexities of human relationships, resonating deeply with readers and writers alike.Controversially, Mansfield's personal life was marked by her bisexuality and her struggle with tuberculosis, which she contracted in 1917. Her illness and the societal constraints of her time added layers of poignancy and urgency to her work. She spent her final years seeking treatment in various European locales, ultimately succumbing to the disease at the age of 34 in 1923.Mansfield's legacy endures through her profound influence on contemporary writers and her revolutionary approach to the short story form. Her ability to capture the ephemeral beauty and sorrow of life continues to captivate and inspire, making her a timeless figure in literary history.

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