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The Invisible Man by G K Chesterton
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- Опубликовано: 12 янв 2024
- "With a fierce exclamation and a French gesture..." I'm very curious about both the exclamation and the gesture.
This classic detective story was narrated by Ben Brinicombe, this week's guest narrator.
Here are some links to Ben's work, including his podcast
www.buzzsprout.com/757040
Gilbert Keith Chesterton, born in West London in 1874, emerged as a versatile and prolific figure in English literature. The son of a prosperous estate agent, Chesterton received his education at St Paul's School and later at the Slade School of Art. Initially venturing into the world of art criticism, he transitioned to become a manuscript reader for a publishing house, marking the inception of his literary career. Chesterton's notable conversion to Roman Catholicism occurred in 1922, influencing his later works significantly. A prolific writer, he authored essays, short stories, poems, drama, and history, with "The Man Who Was Thursday" (1908) standing out as one of his most renowned novels. His enduring legacy extends beyond his literary contributions to include his role as the first President of the Detection Club, where members pledged to uphold 'fair play' in their mystery fiction.
Father Brown, G.K. Chesterton's fictional detective, presents a departure from the conventional detective archetype. Unassuming and self-effacing, Father Brown surprises with his shrewd and worldly nature, confounding expectations. His unique crime-solving methodology involves a deep understanding of human nature, wherein he morally identifies with the criminal to unravel their motivations. In stories like "The Secret of Father Brown" (1927), Chesterton reveals Father Brown's distinctive approach, where the detective confesses to understanding the mind of the murderer by placing himself in their shoes. This empathetic perspective, hidden beneath a light and whimsical surface, sets Father Brown apart as a character with profound moral insight in the realm of mystery fiction.
"The Invisible Man" is a compelling story by G.K. Chesterton that first captivated readers when it appeared in Cassell’s Magazine in February 1911. Set in Camden Town, North London, the narrative revolves around Laura Hope, a café manager haunted by the looming presence of a former suitor, James Welkin. The protagonist, John Turnbull Angus, becomes entangled in the mystery when he encounters Isidore Smythe, another suitor with a peculiar message warning of his death. The plot unfolds with a series of threatening letters, mysterious occurrences, and a bloodstain in Smythe's flat. Father Brown, along with the private investigator Flambeau, investigates the case, leading to a surprising revelation. Chesterton's storytelling prowess shines through in "The Invisible Man," showcasing his preference for the term 'mystery story' over 'detective story,' emphasizing the puzzle's significance. The story, later compiled in The Innocence of Father Brown, exemplifies Chesterton's ability to blend intricate mysteries with moral and psychological depth.
There are more short stories than I could ever believe. It's very satisfying to start and finish them before going to sleep 😴❤
There will be more too
@@classicdetective Thank you, looking forward to more. Diana, Chicago
@dianal.clausen8118 I am also listening from Chicago, though on a warm, humid day. Chesterton, with an economy of words, has no problem transporting one to a late winter day.
Thank you Tony, thank you Ben.
I'm listening here on a very warm Australian day at 25 degrees C, and rising, with the UV index going stratospheric.
I thoroughly enjoyed it.
I beg to add here a request for an Arthur. W. Upfield, Detective Boney story.
The stories were written in the 1920s and 30s and I believe that they are classics.
If you ever run out of Northern Hemisphere ideas. I believe that Upfield wrote quite a few short stories but I have only read a couple of his novellas.
All the best Tony.
Top notch as always.
🌝🥀🥀🥀
I don’t
know him. I’ll
look him up though
Thanks Tony; if you have the time.🇦🇺
He's one of my favourites too
Yes, I did enjoy this story, narration and your follow up, Tony! Look forward to each week!!! Thank you!
A story so classic, even I have read it😉. Good choice and a marvelous reading by Ben! Thank you.
Excellent 🎉🎉🎉
One of my favorites, enjoyable narration. Thank you, Tony.
Thanks Marti
These are such sweet treats. I Listen a little bit at lunch, finish them in the driveway after work on the Bluetooth speakers in the car,
then get back to reality. Keeping the body calm and the mind sharp all at the same time.
I am a TERRIBLE reader. However, Listening scratches me just where I itch for curiosity and literature.
Thank you for sharing these stories. 👍😊
Glad to be of help
Father Brown does not moralise so explicitly in this case as in some of his others (not that it would be a bad thing, if the moralising were handled by a gifted writer like Chesterton), but there is an interesting subtext here about the value of humanity. The advertisements for Smythe's automata, which emphasise their freedom from the foibles that would make employers have to pay attention to their human staff, take on a different aspect after Father Brown's musing on the tendency to make certain people 'mentally invisible.'
I thought Flambeau might be in this one as a device to explain how Father Brown becomes involved, considering that at this stage in his development, the priest isn't a recognised sleuth in his community yet (although neither was Flambeau, prior to this story).
Ben has a fine voice for narration. The only issue I had was with the pacing. I felt he rushed too quickly between some of the sentences, when I would have expected a pause.
I like the idea of going through the history of the detective genre. You could build up a chronological playlist.
Thank you for taking the time to write such a thoughtful comment
I do agree. I feel Flambeau was a distraction with all expectations put upon him to solve the murder. And if a reader isn’t familiar with previous story and plots enjoys the surprise of the quiet Father Brown putting all the pieces together.
Enjoyable thank you
Thanks, Tony. And, thanks, Ben, for narrating this excellent tale.
I did enjoy the story. I am getting started on audiobooks and especially the short mystery stories. Thank you
Welcome!
The Invisible Man is a science fiction novel by H. G. Wells
True. And also a story by the same name written by G.K. Chesterton as part of his Father Brown series. Both excellent reads
Yes it is
Also, minus the 'The,' a 1952 novel by Ralph Ellison.
Doesn’t Flambeau turn out to be a bad egg eventually?
The reverse, actually; Flambeau starts out bad but reforms early on. There is a different character who goes wrong, but I won't spoil which one. 😉