Oh, Whistle, And I'll Come To You, My Lad (1904) - Plot & Excerpts
This is a classic Christmas ghost story. I downloaded an audio copy, which had been specially created by Audible and read by David Suchet (actor of Hercule Perot etc.). I loved it!Professor Parkins is a young man, who goes on a golfing holiday and finds a strange whistle that when blown, unleashes a horrifying event. As this was a short story, I couldn't get a good enough impression of his character. However, I did like him.This is a short story, but it was well told and the suspense and mystery was chillingly built. Written in the traditional ghost story manner, the story swept me away and kept me entertained for just under an hour. Narrated by David Suchet, the story was given a creepy feel by his interpretation. I loved the way how he gave the different characters their own voice, and how he paced the tale. Neither too fast nor too slow, the story built until the climax at the end of the book. I was a little disappointed by how it ended, but it did make me feel a little scared! The only thing I have a quibble about was the origin of the whistle and why it called the specter. Nevertheless, the story was extremely entertaining and I would definitely consider reading/listening to more of the works by this author.M. R. James may have published this is 1904, but the contemporary feel of the story made it feel as if it had been written this year. His attention to detail brought the characters to life and his writing style flowed wonderfully.There is no violence or horrific gore, so I recommend this book to younger readers who are looking for a small scare, and to adults who love classic ghost or horror stories. - Lynn Worton This is a classic ghost story that I picked up because Michael Chabon said it was one of the best short stories he ever read. Part of what makes this so interesting is- even though it was written in the early 1900's- the narrative style has a modern feel to it. The unnamed narrator (never part of the story) is ironic, witty and playful. The framework itself is a traditional ghost story in which a very non-superstitious college professor is frightened out of his mind by an apparition. MR James does spooky well including odd dream sequences and a very creepy bed that keeps getting "un-made." The writing is top form.
What do You think about Oh, Whistle, And I'll Come To You, My Lad (1904)?
Great old fashion ghost story. Perfect to listen to on audio if you have an hour to kill :)
—feyi
Enjoyable with good plot for a short story, and pleasantly old fashioned style.
—Alven
Short ghost story, nice for Christmas.
—cabbybaldas
