Gli Uccelli E Altri Racconti (1952) - Plot & Excerpts
Daphne Du Maurier's miscellany explores the darkest aspects of the human psyche.Her ability lies in her skill to lend great terror to everyday's evil. So you'll rarely find tales of witchcraft, fantastical events or other supernatural phenomena. Instead, she prefers to show you that you don't need to go further than the analysis of the human soul in order to find proper mask-sadistic tendencies. "The Birds" is so frightening than I barely dare to watch the Hitchcock movie right now. In this tale, Du Maurier, who had birds phobia (just like Hitchcock) explains how some natural phenomena can reveal extreme tendencies in human behaviours. I'm not particularly of a bird lover (though I find eagles and great birds majestic), but I have to admit the descriptions of the flocks rushing towards the house of the main character was utterly repelling and terrifying. "The Apple Tree" is probably the least accomplished story of the book, though its ending achieves grandeur. "The Old Man" 's ending might be surprisingly easy (and as a reader you feel as you're being made fun of) but it certainly was surprising. But the masterpiece of the book certainly is "Monte Verita", in which the wife of the main character's best friend abandons him to climb a very secret and strange mountain. At first, I felt just like the narrator and his friend Victor, angry at Anna and her desertion. But when one realises she's been secluded from the world for a particular reason, the horrible truth cannot but leave you silent. More elaborate and gripping than "Rebecca", what is sure is that you have to feel something reading this collection of short stories, whether it be fear, disgust or anger. Daphne du Maurier is first-rate storyteller, and so often not given the credit she is due. This collection of 6 stories, which includes The Birds, so memorably made into a film by Hitchcock (although for my money the story is much better than the film) is an excellent demonstration of her powers. Mistress of the chilling and the suspenseful, her stories are always well-crafted and well-structured, with impeccable pacing, and expert handling of character and plot. There’s a whole world to be found in each of these haunting stories. My particular favourite is The Apple Tree, where a man is initially relieved at his new found freedom following the death of his wife, but who gradually finds that there is more than one way of being haunted. I can wholeheartedly recommend this collection, which devotees of du Maurier will find confirm their high opinion of her, whilst newcomers to her writing will have a taste of just how good she is and will no doubt be compelled to read more.
What do You think about Gli Uccelli E Altri Racconti (1952)?
THE BIRDS and other stories by Daphne Du Maurier Why THE BIRDS is really about the Blitz in London.
—Carter
I read this many years ago. It is quite a bit different from the movie.
—miershyk
Must must must read more Daphne du Maurier.
—DanceDiva
