Bones and I : or the skeleton at home

G. J. Whyte-Melville

Summary

In "Bones and I: or, the skeleton at home," G. J. Whyte-Melville crafts a unique blend of gothic fiction and dark humor that explores the intricacies of human psychology through an unusual lens. Set against the backdrop of Victorian society, the narrative centers around the eccentric character of Cuthbert, who engages with a literal skeleton, inviting readers into a whimsical yet macabre examination of life, death, and the absurdities of existence. Melville's prose is both vivid and richly descriptive, reflecting the atmospheric tones of the period while also displaying a keen insight into the idiosyncrasies of human nature. The novel sits at an intriguing intersection of social commentary and the grotesque, making it a fascinating work within the genre of Victorian literature. G. J. Whyte-Melville, born into a wealthy Scottish family, was deeply influenced by his upbringing and education, which often encompassed themes of death and mortality. His experiences as a soldier and a horseman also permeate his narrative style, infusing his work with a deep understanding of the emotions involved in human connections and losses. "Bones and I" reflects Melville's own preoccupations with society's expectations, the absurdity of life, and ultimately, a longing for connection amidst the inevitability of death. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in Victorian literature or the exploration of thematic complexities surrounding mortality. Whyte-Melville's compelling and unconventional narrative invites readers to confront their own perceptions of life and death through a blend of humor and pathos. Dive into this remarkable work to appreciate its rich stylistic elements and the profound inquiries it poses about the human condition.

Available since: 03/02/2025.

Print length: 200 pages.

Other books that might interest you

Les Misérables: Volume 3: Marius...

Victor Hugo

Victor-Marie Hugo (26 February 1802 - 22 May 1885) was a French poet, novelist, essayist, playwright, and dramatist of the Romantic movement. During a literary career that spanned more than sixty years, he wrote abundantly in an exceptional variety of genres: lyrics, satires, epics, philosophical poems, epigrams, novels, history, critical essays, political speeches, funeral orations, diaries, and letters public and private, as well as dramas in verse and prose.
BOOK 3: THE GRANDFATHER AND THE GRANDSON: When M. Gillenormand lived in the Rue Servandoni, he had frequented many very good and very aristocratic salons. Although a bourgeois, M. Gillenormand was received in society. As he had a double measure of wit, in the first place, that which was born with him, and secondly, that which was attributed to him, he was even sought out and made much of.

Show book

Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales -...

Brothers Grimm, Classic...

Dark forests, enchanted castles, and magical creatures await in this carefully curated collection of fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm. Including unforgettable classics like Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Snow White, these stories have enchanted readers and listeners for generations.Presented with their original intensity and timeless moral lessons, the Grimm tales mix wonder with wisdom. This audiobook is a journey through the heart of European folklore—perfect for listeners of all ages who seek adventure, magic, and meaning.

Show book

Dracula – Chapter 1: Jonathan...

Bram Stoker

Jonathan Harker, a young English solicitor, journeys to the remote mountains of Transylvania to assist a mysterious nobleman named Count Dracula. At first, the Count is courteous and charming — but as the days pass, Harker begins to realize that he is not a guest, but a prisoner in a castle filled with shadows, secrets, and unspeakable horrors. 
This is Chapter 1 of Bram Stoker’s Dracula — narrated by Amazon bestselling horror author Jonathan Dunne — part of a complete, chapter-by-chapter audiobook series that brings the classic Gothic nightmare to life in chilling detail. 
Whether you’re revisiting Stoker’s masterpiece or discovering it for the first time, this immersive narration captures the dread, mystery, and slow-building terror that shaped the vampire legend for more than a century. 
📖 Public domain text. Original publication: 1897.

Show book

A Slav Soul - From their pens to...

Alexander Kuprin

Alexander Kuprin was born in Narovchat, Penza in Russia on 7th September 1870.
At 3 his Father died and he and mother moved to Moscow. By 10 he was enrolled at the Second Moscow Military High School and there his interest in literature began. The Alexander Military Academy followed and two years later he was a sub-lieutenant and posted to an Infantry Regiment for a further four years.
Despite his duties he was a now a keen writer and published his first short story at this time. His military duties also garnered him experiences for his breakthrough work ‘The Duel’. Leaving the military he left for Kiev to work for local newspapers. He continued to publish both stories and novels and by 1901 he was in St Petersburg becoming part of a group that included Chekhov, Ivan Bunin, Maxim Gorky and Leonid Andreyev.
In the years that followed further controversial works and acclaim followed. His comments on the regime meant he was also put under secret police surveillance.
As World War I erupted, Kuprin opened a military hospital but was then given command of an infantry company in Finland. He was soon discharged on grounds of ill health.
The October Revolution saw him praise Lenin, but he warned that the Bolsheviks threatened Russian culture and might cause further widespread suffering to the peasants. As Civil War raged he took his family to Helsinki and then on to Paris.
Exile saw his talents decline further and his succumbing to alcoholism. He became lonely and withdrawn. The family's poverty increased his malaise.
In May 1937, the Kuprin’s returned to Moscow. He now saw his work published but wrote almost nothing new. In 1938 his health rapidly deteriorated. Already suffering from a kidney problems and sclerosis, he had now developed cancer of the oesophagus.
Alexander Kuprin died on 25th August 1938.

Show book

Runestone - An Epic Historical...

Don Coldsmith

A GRAND HISTORICAL ADVENTURE PITTING TWO WARRIOR CASTES AGAINST ONE ANOTHER. 
They set sail from Norway, two swift-moving longships and their handpicked crews, following the route navigated by the legendary Leif Ericson. But for young shipmaster Nils Thorsson and his fellow Norsemen the real journey begins when they push on into the uncharted continent of Vinland. 
There the explorers revel in the chance to penetrate a virgin land – until they trespass on the grounds of a primitive people who have seen enough of the light-hairs' cruelty to believe they are too dangerous to ignore. In one swift dawn raid, they deal with the invaders by letting go a swarm of fiery arrows. Only three men from the sailing party escape: the intrepid Nils Thorsson, the hardened seaman Svenson, and an enigmatic native guide called Odin. Now, stranded in the wilderness with their one-eyed guide, Thomson and Svenson know that to survive they must master the ways of war, of the hunt – and of a proud and fearless people. 
“A mythically powerful story of the earliest European exploration of North America. Runestone is Don Coldsmith’s finest work to date.” – Kathleen O’Neal Gear and W. Michael Gear, authors of Flight of The Hawk.

Show book

Bulldog Drummond

H.C. McNeile

In the swirling mists of post-World War I England, a character emerged from the pen of "Sapper", (H.C.McNeile) whose adventures would captivate readers and endure through the ages. Bulldog Drummond, the invincible hero, burst onto the literary scene with a resounding force that echoed the sentiments of a society grappling with the aftermath of conflict and the winds of change. 
Readers found themselves immersed in a world where espionage and intrigue stretched across a Europe still reeling from the Great War and "Bulldog Drummond" embodied the resilience and resourcefulness of a generation seeking purpose in the midst of societal upheaval. 
It's clear that the adventures of Drummond, the intrepid ex-soldier looking for excitement, influenced Ian Flemming's James Bond of some 30 years later. 
Welcome to a world where the villains are easy to spot, grey areas are few, women are to be rescued and the hero never loses his sense of humour! 
Head Stories Audio presents the first instalment of its "Bulldog Drummond" series, wonderfully performed by Simon Hester. With original music.

Show book