Edward Lucas White (1866–1934)

"The Snout" doesn't sound exciting by title alone, but it quickly gets interesting. The current characters meet in a park far from prying eyes and address what's "in the cage." The main character tells his story, and subsequent chapters take place in the past on the same grounds. The past characters don't talk much and there's a lot of physical, mundane description. But gradually I connected the dots.

The dots are well spaced out and the language has good flow, so the story overall is more interesting than most short, short stories. I think this is my first--to say without spoilers--"snout" fiction.… (more)

I had never heard of Edward Lucas White which I suppose is not surprising considering he lived a century ago. The description intrigued me, since as a child I watched those old Vincent Price movies that were based on stories by Edgar Allen Poe and then later read everything by him that I could find in the library. I did enjoy these stories though you must keep in mind that people spoke (and wrote) differently all those years ago. I especially loved the first story Nightmare House about a man who seeks shelter in a run down house after an accident. The Message On The Slate was also very good, about a woman unhappy in her marriage who seeks advice from a clairvoyant who is a self proclaimed charlatan. I loved Lukundoo which concerned a curse. It gave me chills. In The Pig-skin belt a circus comes to town, as does a man with some strange and mysterious habits. My absolute favorite was The Picture Puzzle, in which a man and his wife find solace and perhaps something more when they occupy their time with puzzles after their daughter is kidnapped. I also loved The Ghoula, a poem about a female ghoul.
All in all well worth a read. 4 out of 5 stars from me.

I received an advance copy for review.… (more)

Since there are no other eligible candidates, Brinnaria agrees, albeit unwillingly, to serve as a Vestal Virgin for the next 30 years and the novel is the story of her time in office.

The author doesn't seem to have quite got the hang of writing historical fiction and often addresses the reader directly to explain social and cultural matters by comparison to early 20th century equivalents. This bumps the reader out of the story quite a bit.

The romantic element is also rather disconcerting. Brinnaria is 9 when the story opens but is apparently mature enough mentally and physically to pass for 18 and she already has a love interest, Almo, who agrees to wait for her which he does but not very patiently. Quite honestly, in the end the ordeal by sieve seems the most natural and reasonable incident in the book.

Having said, all that if one can suspend belief enough, the book is actually very readable and enjoyable. I'm not sure how many stars to give it as complete nonsense but an enjoyable read.… (more)

What a wonderful story, and to think it has been on my TBR for well over 12+ years! I was really tired of everything modern I've been reading, so I chose something different.

Brinnaria, is her father's favorite child. She intelligent, articulate, impetuous, & high spirited beyond her 10 years of age. In the first chapter her father begins his talk to her of marriage and she acknowledges him with the response that she plans on marrying her best friend Almo, upon which her father informs her that she will marry her nemesis, Calavaster.

When Brinnaria refuses, her father takes her to the Temple of Vesta and petitions for her acceptance. As there are only ever six Vestal Priestesses at any given time and for her to be accepted one must either die or leave after her time served, Brinnaria is comforted, but not for long... as one of the six immediately dies leaving an opening & space for Brinnaria.

As time progresses, Brinnaria becomes friends w/ Emperor Aurelius.. She often acts out, thus causing consternation throughout Rome, but she is always able to defend herself w/ her complete knowledge of Roman law & Vestal regulations.

Her love for Almo undergoes many a test and Calavaster spends no small amount of time attempting to undermine her and her position.

This book was well written and definitely held my interest. The Vestals had more freedom than any other woman and most everyone else in Rome save the Emperor, and we learn quite a bit of their duties and manner of life.

I am taking off 1/5 ★ due to the fact that the ending was a bit overdone.… (more)