I, personally, am a wusspuss when it comes to scary stories, but in keeping with the honor code of our book club, I read this one. (Quickly, at night, and alone in bed) That wasn't exactly to keep the code, but it did do weird things to my dreams...
The Yellow Wallpaper Charlotte Perkins Gilman is more of a psychological narative than a ghost story. It is short and to the point written in a series of journal entires following the prescribed secluded and deluded life of a wife suffering from a nervous condition as she is sequestered in a hideous nursery with some unsavory wall decor. And that is all I am going to say... Doesn't sound thought provoking? You'd be wrong. Doesn't sound like a much of a thought provoker? You'd be mistaken. And I'll go as far as to say, you'd be remiss in not reading this story immediately because I need to talk it out with someone -- anyone. Please.
I read it in 15 minutes, and thought about for 2 days after that. I'd say that is a good story. Like oatmeal-- it sticks to your ribs, invades your mental revelry and has you asking questions. I even went back to reread some parts to make sure I didn't miss something. In short, it is wackadoo tale that details sticky mind trickery madness spiral of an isolated individual.
Read and let's discuss!
On the stocking scale I give it a four for Darned Good. It was thought provoking, discussion inducing literary candy as far as I am concerned! And at 6,000 words it's a story short enough for any reader.
