Join us on a literary world trip!
Add this book to bookshelf
Grey
Write a new comment Default profile 50px
Grey
Subscribe to read the full book or read the first pages for free!
All characters reduced
When William Came - Enriched edition - cover

When William Came - Enriched edition

Saki Saki

Publisher: DigiCat

  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

Summary

In "When William Came," Saki (H.H. Munro) intricately weaves a satirical narrative set amidst a fictionalized Britain under German occupation. The novella is marked by Saki's characteristic wit and incisive social commentary, employing a blend of rich, descriptive prose and sharp dialogue that critiques Edwardian society's absurdities and vulnerabilities. Through a compelling plot centered on patriotism, identity, and the absurdities of war, Saki explores the tumultuous psychological landscape of characters facing an unsettling new reality, all while maintaining a humorous undertone that challenges traditional notions of heroism. Saki, a master of the short story form and a keen observer of human behavior, was born in 1870 in Akyab, Burma, and later moved to England. His experiences during the First World War and observations of the societal transformations of his time influenced his writing, allowing him to infuse his work with a blend of dark humor and poignant irony. Saki's background also endowed him with an acute awareness of the complexities of British nationalism and the absurdities of political maneuvers during wartime, which are all reflected in this novella. For readers seeking a sharp, engaging exploration of societal norms during wartime, "When William Came" is a must-read. Its combination of humor, critical insight, and imaginative storytelling makes it a significant contribution to early 20th-century literature. This work not only entertains but also encourages reflection on the nature of conflict and the human condition, solidifying Saki's place as a remarkable voice in literary history.

In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience:
- A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes.
- The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists.
- A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing.
- An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text.
- A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings.
- Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life.
- Hand‐picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance.
- Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.
Available since: 09/16/2022.
Print length: 127 pages.

Other books that might interest you

  • After She Wrote Him - cover

    After She Wrote Him

    Sulari Gentill

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    The captivating psychological thriller Dean Koontz calls "pure delight, a swift yet psychologically complex read" by Sulari Gentill, author of #1 LibraryReads pick The Woman in the Library 
     
     
     
    It's an author's job to create a new world in the pages of a book. But when lines start to blur and reality begins to fade, getting lost in a story can be dangerous—especially if you can't find your way back . . . 
     
     
     
    Madeleine d'Leon doesn't know where Edward came from. He is simply a character in her next book. But as she writes, he becomes all she can think about. His charm, his dark hair, his pen scratching out his latest literary novel . . . 
     
     
     
    Edward McGinnity can't get Madeleine out of his mind—softly smiling, infectiously enthusiastic, and perfectly damaged. She will be the ideal heroine for his next book. 
     
     
     
    But who is the author and who is the creation? And as the lines start to blur, who is affected when a killer finally takes flesh? 
     
     
     
    After She Wrote Him is a piece of meta-fiction with a wildly inventive twist on the murder mystery that takes listeners on a journey filled with passion, obsession, and the emptiness left behind when the real world starts to fall away.
    Show book
  • Postcards From Stella Maris - Five Liz Talbot Short Stories - cover

    Postcards From Stella Maris -...

    Susan M. Boyer

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    For Fans of the Liz Talbot Mystery Series… Postcards From Stella Maris  is a collection of five short stories for fans of the series who might be interested, for example, in Colleen's backstory. I wrote the short story “Common Knowledge” for myself years ago, as a way to explore what happened to Colleen. As you might imagine, it's not as light as the series in general. This story has never been published anywhere before. “Eviction” is the story of how Liz first met Rhett, her golden retriever, back when she was married to Scott the Scoundrel. This story is also not lighthearted, and it likewise has never been published before. “Hogwash” originally appeared in Spinetingler Magazine. This is a fun little case which introduces the character of Zeke Lyerly, who appears in Lowcountry Bonfire. “Highlights and Hot Lead” originally appeared in The Petigru Review. This is a Stella Maris slice of life story featuring Shannelle Johnson, a local judge's wife, and it takes place entirely at Phoebe's Day Spa. “Everything is Relative” is a peek inside a Talbot family Thanksgiving. A few of Mamma's recipes are included at the end. If by chance you’ve stumbled on this collection of stories, but you’ve never read a Liz Talbot mystery, I would encourage you to start with   Lowcountry Boil (A Liz Talbot Mystery, Book 1)   and come back to these stories later. I so hope you enjoy these glimpses into Liz Talbot’s formative years, her unfortunate first marriage, and her life between major cases. Warmly, Susan M. Boyer
    Show book
  • In the Blink of a Pie - cover

    In the Blink of a Pie

    Catherine Burns

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    USA Today bestselling author Catherine Bruns is back with the third installment in the "delightfully sweet" Maple Syrup Mysteries, transporting listeners back to the cozy town of Sugar Ridge, Vermont, where things are bound to go from sweet, to sour. 
     
     
     
    Sometimes, there's no one you can crust . . . 
     
     
     
    It's Thanksgiving in Sugar Ridge, Vermont, and Leila Khoury, manager of Sappy Endings Farm, is ready to usher in the holiday season by hosting a pie-baking contest. The day is meticulously planned, from the judging panel to the maple lattes, and Leila can't wait for the entire town to enjoy some sweet treats. 
     
     
     
    But when a neighbor drops dead from sampling a poisoned pumpkin pie, it's not just Leila's perfect day that's in jeopardy—her livelihood is now at stake. And after yet another near-fatal incident, she realizes an even more terrifying truth: the killer wasn't targeting her neighbor, but someone even closer to home! 
     
     
     
    Can Leila figure out who's behind the murder, before the dough hits the fan?
    Show book
  • Pittie Party Murder - cover

    Pittie Party Murder

    Renee George

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    Pregnant werecougar Lily Mason and her human mate Parker Knowles will soon be first-time parents, and they're not nervous at all. Hah! Yes, they are. The duo is determined to do everything right. Including getting their two adorable pitties, Smooshie and Elvis, prepared for a human sibling, baby-proofing everything around the house, buying a family-friendly vehicle, and taking birthing classes at the community center. 
     
     
     
    Lily and Parker are making friends with several of the other parents-to-be. They are bonding over nurseries, baby showers, and all the joys and not-so-joyous parts of pregnancy. Secrets turn toxic when one of the dads is found murdered, and it turns out the class is full of suspects who wanted him dead. 
     
     
     
    When the only single mom in the group, someone Lily has grown fond of, is arrested for murder, Lily is convinced that, while the woman might have motive, means, and opportunity, she isn't the guilty party. 
     
     
     
    Lily, Parker, and the Moonrise gang aren't going to let an innocent woman give birth in jail. But the victim has a lot of enemies, and finding out who really offed Daddy Dearest is turning out to be a real killer!
    Show book
  • The House Husband - cover

    The House Husband

    James Patterson, Duane Swierczynski

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    Harry Posehn is the best dad, the best husband...well, maybe not. Detective Teaghan Beaumont is getting closer and closer to discovering the truth about Harry Posehn. But there's a twist that she--and you, dear reader--will never see coming. BookShotsLIGHTNING-FAST STORIES BY JAMES PATTERSON Novels you can devour in a few hours   Impossible to stop reading   All original content from James Patterson
    Show book
  • Strung III - The Last Drop - cover

    Strung III - The Last Drop

    Per Jacobsen

    • 0
    • 0
    • 0
    In this third—and final—book in the STRUNG series, Randall Morgan and David Pearson face their biggest challenge yet. 
    In the form of a half-empty IV bag once connected to Randall's son, they have found a means that might be used to fight the evil that has infected the world. 
    The question remains, though, whether they can bring themselves to use it. Because during the massacre at Redwater, their enemy finally revealed his true face … and it looks so damn innocent.
    Show book