The Monkey

Isak Dinesen

Fiction | Short Story Collection | Adult | Published in 1934

Book Brief

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Isak Dinesen

The Monkey

Fiction | Short Story Collection | Adult | Published in 1934

Book Details

Format

Short Story Collection • Fiction

Setting

Denmark • 19th century

Publication Year

1934

Audience

Adult

Super Short Summary

“The Monkey” by Isak Dinesen tells the story of a young woman's complex interactions with her family and a mysterious monkey. The narrative explores themes of autonomy, control, and unexpected alliances within a historical setting. The presence of the monkey serves as a catalyst for revealing deeper familial and individual dynamics.

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Isak Dinesen's The Monkey has been praised for its rich, atmospheric prose and deft exploration of complex themes. Critics appreciate the story's evocative imagery and intricate character dynamics. However, some readers find the narrative's pacing slow and its ambiguity challenging. Overall, Dinesen's work captivates with its dark, enigmatic allure.

Who Should Read The Monkey?

Fans of gothic and psychological tales will relish Isak Dinesen's The Monkey. With its eerie atmosphere and exploration of human nature, it appeals to readers of Shirley Jackson's We Have Always Lived in the Castle and Angela Carter's The Bloody Chamber. The story fuses myth and reality, captivating those who appreciate a literary, haunting narrative.

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