Shorter Novels of Herman Melville : Book Review

"Shorter Novels of Herman Melville" is a captivating anthology that presents some of the lesser-known works of the renowned American author, Herman Melville. This collection features five novellas: "Benito Cereno," "Bartleby, the Scrivener," "The Encantadas," "The Bell-Tower," and "Billy Budd, Sailor." These shorter novels offer readers a glimpse into Melville's exceptional storytelling skills and his profound exploration of complex themes such as morality, power dynamics, and the human condition.

In the novella "Benito Cereno," Melville delves into the harsh realities of slavery as the story follows the encounter between Captain Delano and the enigmatic and seemingly submissive slave, Babo. Through this narrative, Melville raises thought-provoking questions about manipulation, perception, and the true nature of power relationships.

"Bartleby, the Scrivener" introduces readers to a unique character named Bartleby, whose peculiar habit is responding to work requests with the phrase "I would prefer not to." Melville skillfully explores themes of alienation, conformity, and the individual's struggle against societal expectations through this enigmatic character.

"The Encantadas" consists of ten captivating sketches inspired by Melville's own experiences in the Galapagos Islands. In these sketches, Melville portrays the diverse landscapes, captivating wildlife, and thought-provoking themes of isolation, mortality, and the interplay between humans and nature.

"The Bell-Tower" narrates the intriguing story of an architect consumed by an unwavering obsession with constructing a bell-tower in a cathedral. This psychological exploration delves into themes of ambition, artistic pursuit, and the consequences of single-minded dedication.

What are readers saying?

The book "Shorter Novels of Herman Melville" by the renowned author Herman Melville has received a range of reactions from readers, with some expressing satisfaction and others voicing their disappointment.

There were reviewers who spoke highly of the collection, commending Melville's writing style and the profoundness of his storytelling. They found the shorter novels to be captivating and thought-provoking, particularly singling out "Billy Budd" as a beautifully crafted and emotionally impactful story. These readers appreciated Melville's exploration of morality, justice, and the intricacies of human nature, and they enthusiastically recommended the book to those who enjoy classic literature.

Conversely, there were reviewers who felt that the shorter novels lacked the depth and complexity commonly associated with Melville's works. They found some of the stories to be uninteresting and struggled to connect with the characters. These readers suggested that Melville's longer novels, such as "Moby-Dick," showcased his writing abilities more effectively and were therefore more worthwhile reads.

A few reviewers mentioned that although they enjoyed certain stories within the collection, they found the overall quality to be inconsistent. They praised specific works such as "Bartleby, the Scrivener" for its unique and thought-provoking narrative, but were less impressed with others. These readers recommended selectively choosing stories to read rather than consuming the entire collection.

Another common observation among reviewers was the challenging and dense nature of Melville's prose. Some readers found the complex language and lengthy passages difficult to follow. However, others appreciated the richness and poetic quality of his writing, considering it to be a unique characteristic of Melville's style.

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