Strangers and Beggars: Stories Book

Very clever stories, written with a real love of language.

I remember reading some O'Henry stories when I was a kid, because my grandfather really loved them. Back then, all I cared about was the plot twist at the end (which each story has). Now, as an adult, I can enjoy the journey on the way to the end.

The stories are told in a very playful way. There are a lot of winks to the reader. The narrator is often saying something funny about the characters, pointing out their foibles, and generally having a good time.

Some of the humor is pretty dated, but so are the settings. The one story that I really, really didn't like tried to put a humorous face on domestic violence, but it also took place in a Harlem that was populated by Irish people. So that's out-of-date by a couple of shifts.

Another thing I enjoyed, as a Native New Yorker (or "Noo Yawkuh", if you insist) was the view into this previous incarnation of my city, it's rhythms, and the people who made it what it was.

The social mores were also very entertaining. I know it may shock some of you, but some of they young ladies might allow gentlemen suitors to kiss them. Yes! Kissing! Before being joined in holy wedlock. Alas, civilization!