If you love atmospheric and traditional ghost stories, "Lost Hearts" by M.R. James is a must-read. The chilling country house setting, the unsettling sense of evil lurking beneath gentility, and James’s masterful, careful storytelling all shine here. This is a classic for fans of subtle horror, those who crave mysterious, old-fashioned tales, and especially readers fascinated by orphan protagonists and eerie English locales.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Some readers might find the story a bit slow, preferring more modern, fast-paced or action-driven horror. If you want elaborate psychological twists, shocking scares, or lots of gore, "Lost Hearts" may feel too restrained or old-fashioned. The language and pacing, true to its time, might not engage those searching for immediate thrills.

A spooky, elegant ghost story perfect for fans of classic chills and quiet dread - delicate, mysterious, and still unsettling after all these years.

About:

M.R. James' 'Lost Hearts' is a collection of old ghost stories with a mix of madness, murder, and dark secrets. The book features tales of morality, curses, and eerie occurrences, drawing inspiration from classic authors like Edgar Allan Poe and Maupassant. Set in old houses in the countryside, the stories revolve around vulnerable characters facing sinister motives and haunting revelations. The writing style is described as traditional, atmospheric, and psychologically intense, capturing the essence of ghostly tales from different eras.

Characters:

The characters include a vulnerable young orphan and a seemingly kind yet sinister elderly gentleman.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by traditional prose that evokes an eerie atmosphere.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around a young orphan boy who unwittingly discovers the dark motives of his seemingly kind guardian.

Setting:

The setting includes an old countryside house that amplifies the story's eerie atmosphere.

Pacing:

The pacing varies, with some stories build gradual tension and others feeling uneven.

Notes:

The anthology 'Great Ghost Stories' contains 25 works by various authors, selected from the Fontana Book series published from 1973 to 1984.

Many of the ghost stories in the collection have been included in anthologies multiple times, making them widely recognized.

The oldest story in the anthology is from Daniel Defoe, dating back to the 1720s.

Authors included in the anthology range from classic writers like Walter Scott and Maupassant to more contemporary figures like Stephen King and Ramsey Campbell.

The format of ghost stories has evolved, with earlier tales focusing more on traditional hauntings and later ones exploring psychological horror.

'Lost Hearts' by M.R. James tells the story of an orphaned boy taken in by a seemingly kind but ultimately sinister guardian.

The stories vary in style, with some being deeply frightening while others lean towards humor and a light-hearted approach to ghostly themes.

Stephen King’s early work 'The Reaper's Image' is also featured as a significant contribution to the horror genre within this collection.

The anthology was compiled by Stephen Jones, and aims to revive interest in ghost stories that were popular in previous decades.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings for Lost Hearts include themes of betrayal, fear, and potential emotional distress associated with supernatural encounters.

From The Publisher:

This is a story from the "Great Ghost Stories" collection.

A spine-tingling collection of classic ghost stories - a perfect way to pass those long winter nights! This set contains "The Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe, "The Horla" by Guy de Maupassant, "Sredni Vashtar" by Saki, "The Mark of the Beast" by Rudyard Kipling, "Lost Hearts" by M.R. James and "The Furnished Room" by O. Henry.

1895

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Lost Hearts

M.R. James

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