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clownonthemoon's review
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Death
jds70's review
5.0
John Marcher has a premonition. He calls it his Beast in the Jungle: something, an unknown something, will happen in his life, at an unknown time, in an unknown way. It may be terrible. It lurks in unknown places, ready to spring at any moment. He shares this premonition with his friend May Bartram, and they agree to watch together for the mysterious thing about to happen. To say much more will spoil the story.
The story, as with many of Henry James' works, takes place primarily in the mind and thoughts of Marcher. It's hard to say more without giving away what the Beast in the Jungle is for Marcher, or of how it ends, but I did enjoy the story.
The story, as with many of Henry James' works, takes place primarily in the mind and thoughts of Marcher. It's hard to say more without giving away what the Beast in the Jungle is for Marcher, or of how it ends, but I did enjoy the story.
theresidentbookworm's review
2.0
An Open Letter to Henry James
First, I want you to know that I am a fan. Really, I have enjoyed your work outside of my American Lit II class. I really enjoyed Washington Square, and I liked Daisy Miller the first time I read it. That being said, The Beast in the Jungle was a truly a beast of a short story for me to get through. And if someone who likes your writing says that, how do you think a classroom full of college students who really don't want to be in a literature class reacted to it?
Spoiler: not well. I wasn't there because I had a ridiculously high fever, but my friend told me that our resident class ***hole spent the whole class talking about how pointless it was. I'm sure that will be very helpful for our exam...
Anyway, please consider some heavy editing next time. Maybe break up some paragraphs? Or write a totally different short story with a better plot? I'm sorry, but I know you have it in you.
Best Wishes,
Jillian
First, I want you to know that I am a fan. Really, I have enjoyed your work outside of my American Lit II class. I really enjoyed Washington Square, and I liked Daisy Miller the first time I read it. That being said, The Beast in the Jungle was a truly a beast of a short story for me to get through. And if someone who likes your writing says that, how do you think a classroom full of college students who really don't want to be in a literature class reacted to it?
Spoiler: not well. I wasn't there because I had a ridiculously high fever, but my friend told me that our resident class ***hole spent the whole class talking about how pointless it was. I'm sure that will be very helpful for our exam...
Anyway, please consider some heavy editing next time. Maybe break up some paragraphs? Or write a totally different short story with a better plot? I'm sorry, but I know you have it in you.
Best Wishes,
Jillian
natniss's review
2.0
For a tiny novella this is terribly dull and the protagonist is truly unpleasant in his egotism.
gp26's review
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
skinnerbx's review
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
marcio's review against another edition
5.0
Such an amazing brilliant novella!
I wish I can soon write a decent review about it... telework is draining me off these last days.
I wish I can soon write a decent review about it... telework is draining me off these last days.
ellaroshea's review
4.0
imo this speaks to me most in terms of comphet, though it could be anything. really interestingly written and defo on the modernism side of late victorian/early edwardian
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: Homophobia