Review of 'Billy Budd, Bartleby, and Other Stories' on 'Goodreads'
3 stars
This bundle contains a selection of eight short stories and novellas by Herman Melville, all written in the 1850s, except for Billy Budd, Sailor, which was written in the late 1880s and published posthumously in 1924. The stories were written during a time when the author was short on cash due to some commercial failures. As the title suggests, Billy Budd, Sailor and Bartleby, the Scrivener are the highlights of the collection, though Benito Cereno also deserves considerable attention.
As with [b:Moby-Dick|1689450|Moby-Dick|Herman Melville|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1328834197l/1689450.SY75.jpg|2409320], I struggled with Melville’s language. On the one hand, it is beautiful beyond measure, and often humorous (Bartleby) or sensual (Billy Budd). The author is unique in his ability to describe landscapes (notably in The Piazza Tales and The Encantados) and build atmosphere. On the other hand, that same language often obscures a lack of narrative, leaving me …
This bundle contains a selection of eight short stories and novellas by Herman Melville, all written in the 1850s, except for Billy Budd, Sailor, which was written in the late 1880s and published posthumously in 1924. The stories were written during a time when the author was short on cash due to some commercial failures. As the title suggests, Billy Budd, Sailor and Bartleby, the Scrivener are the highlights of the collection, though Benito Cereno also deserves considerable attention.
As with [b:Moby-Dick|1689450|Moby-Dick|Herman Melville|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1328834197l/1689450.SY75.jpg|2409320], I struggled with Melville’s language. On the one hand, it is beautiful beyond measure, and often humorous (Bartleby) or sensual (Billy Budd). The author is unique in his ability to describe landscapes (notably in The Piazza Tales and The Encantados) and build atmosphere. On the other hand, that same language often obscures a lack of narrative, leaving me somewhat unfulfilled. In that sense, Melville is a writer who perhaps requires better preparation than I had.
Billy Budd is a five-star contribution to the bundle. Set on a battleship of the British Royal Navy in 1797, a period following two notorious mutinies, this historical novella offers everything in terms of drama and suspense. I was surprised by Melville’s attempt to psychologise Master-at-Arms John Claggart, whose envy – handsome is as handsome did – leads to poor Billy’s downfall. I’ve seen the opera adaptation by Benjamin Britten, and I understand why the story continues to hold such appeal for gay artists.
Bartleby is the funniest story. It is hard not to sympathise with the impudent clerk, whose mantra – ‘I would prefer not to’ – becomes increasingly intriguing. Unfortunately, this is one of those well-structured stories that just fizzles out. In that respect, I found Benito Cereno more interesting. The narrative left me with many questions; I imagine it must have provoked even more existential doubts at the time, ten years before the official abolition of slavery and involuntary servitude in the United States.
Melville once again impressed me with his style, but for now, I’d be happy with some lighter reading.