review

"Selected Stories" by Katherine Mansfield is a collection that showcases the author's remarkable prowess in the short - story genre. Mansfield, a prominent New Zealand - born modernist, left an indelible mark on English literature despite her early death at 34. This anthology covers a wide range of her works, from satirical tales to those filled with domestic nuance. What sets Mansfield apart is her departure from traditional plot - driven stories. Instead, she focuses on pivotal moments, allowing mood and character development to take center stage. For instance, in "The Garden Party", the contrast between the upper - class Sheridan family's carefree party and the sudden awareness of the neighboring poor man's death reveals the social divide and the characters' evolving moral consciousness. Mansfield's writing is rich in symbolism, using elements from nature like flowers and wind to create vivid and relatable settings. Her exploration of universal themes such as human isolation, the conflict between love and disillusionment, makes her stories timeless. Overall, "Selected Stories" is a must - read for those who appreciate innovative, character - focused short - story writing.