tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2856547151523423474.post9140905324746754597..comments2024-03-12T12:38:23.542-04:00Comments on The Kind of Face You Hate: The Kind of Face You Slash - Day 24: Tiny Last Strawsbill r.http://www.blogger.com/profile/17748572205731857892noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2856547151523423474.post-67581804472738786272021-02-20T01:38:22.349-05:002021-02-20T01:38:22.349-05:00No need to apologize; this is a fascinating and ve...No need to apologize; this is a fascinating and very thoughtful reflection on one of Aickman's most extraordinary stories. Some of the story reflects Aickman's predispositions so clearly that it might seem trivial (if one is aware of them): yes, the modern world deadens us (though Aickman died much too early, perhaps it's for the best that he never had to cope with the Internet and the mobile phone, which have so malformed us). But I think that the miracle of the story is Margaret's slow realization that there is something in her seeking a way out, and the way in which that isolates and elevates her. Aickman's genius for concrete detail is on full display here (Margaret overhearing the cooks singing as they prepare lunch, as she starts to walk in the forest), yet the detail only serves to highlight the utter strangeness of what is happening. What a story! I am with you on "The Inner Room," which is also one of my favorites, but "Into the Wood is right up there. And--your mileage likely varies--my personal favorite (just a bit ahead of the others), is "The School Friend," and I think we would agree that there is something quite special about Aickman's stories with a female protagonist. Robertnoreply@blogger.com