So Many Precious Books, So Little Time: The Fly by Katherine Mansfield

Sunday, February 20, 2011

The Fly by Katherine Mansfield

Back in January, I reviewed The Doll's House by Katherine Mansfield. I found it to be a gem and said I wanted to read more by this author. That is when John of The Book Mine Set recommended The Fly to me.

Mr. Woodifield is retire now because of the stroke he had however, he visits the office and his boss weekly. On this visit he reminded his boss about the loss of his son.

Mr. Woodfield left but his boss was quite upset over the reminder of his dear son. He tells his clerk that he is not to be disturbed for a half hour. At first he just sits with a blank stare, thinking about his son. His son has been dead for six years and he has not been able to cry and wonders whats wrong with him.

When he reaches for the photograph of his son he notices that there is a fly in his ink pot. He rescues the fly and shakes him off on a peice of blotter paper. The fly gets busy cleaning himself off and the boss pictures him rejoicing for being saved. However, then he toys around with the fly in a most disturbing way.

This very short story of about 7 pages really pack a punch. It is one of mourning loss and the transference of emotions and power on to the defenseless. Highly recommended. You can read it here.

Also reviewed by:

The Reading Life

Did you review this story? Leave a link in the comments and I will post it here.

If you would like to participate in Short Story Mondays, go to John of The Book Mine Set. He has a short story review every Monday and a place for you to link your short story review. Come join in the fun!

Posted by Teddy Rose at 10:43 PM

Labels: Short Story Read in 2011

8 comments:

I am glad you liked this story-it is one of Mansfield most read stories-I posted on it a few months ago-here is a link to my post

The Fly reviewed on The Reading Life

Mel u said... February 21, 2011 at 4:01 AM

I read this story a long time ago an at a time when I wasn't fluent in English; I should read it again.
Em

Anonymous said... February 21, 2011 at 4:12 PM

Sounds like an interesting story. I've been wanting to read something by Mansfield.

Loni said... February 21, 2011 at 5:50 PM

I just read Emeire's comment. I imagine it would be a difficult story to read and follow in that case.

John Mutford said... February 21, 2011 at 7:40 PM

Mel u, thanks for the link. I posted it.

Teddy Rose said... February 21, 2011 at 10:37 PM

Em, I hope you do read it again. I would love to see your thoughts on it.

Teddy Rose said... February 21, 2011 at 10:37 PM

Loni, both this and The Doll's House are fab.