
I set out to read "Babette's Feast" but couldn't find a free online copy so settled instead on "The Blank Page." It's framed as a story being told by an old lady who makes her living telling stories, as did generations of women before her. I get the impression Dinesen is describing a Gypsy character, though that term is never used. Fortunately the frame is as interesting as the story that follows, of a Portuguese convent that displays bedsheets donated from the royal family, sheets from the wedding nights of the princesses. It's a bit of a meandering story, but you do see the ending coming a little ways off. It's fascinating, and makes a strong case for the untold stories of the world.
(Did you write a story for Short Story Monday? If so, please leave a link in the comments below.)
5 comments:
I haven't read any of her work. I seem to remember her being mentioned in A Moveable Feast (just a passing comment). I like meandering stories so I must check it out.
I read Susan and Father Christmas
I've heard of Out of Africa, but haven't read any of this author's work. The Blank Page sounds interesting, though. I read "Bliss" today by Katherine Mansfield.
I loved the film version of "Babette's Feast", I saw it many years ago. I would love to read it and will certainly check out this short.
Thanks for bringing my attention to it!
I reviewed a very different kind of story: http://teddyrose.blogspot.com/2011/11/ballad-of-great-yukon-puke-on-by.html
I would love to read Babette's Feast, I will see if I can buy a copy.
I posted a
review of The White Wife and the Brown 'Woman'
Here's my take on her short story The Iguana
http://dancingelves.blogspot.in/2011/05/iguana-by-isak-dinesen.html
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