May Sinclair’s ‘Uncanny Stories’ is a collection of chilling and unsettling tales that delve into the complexities of human psychology and the supernatural. Written in a modernist literary style, Sinclair’s stories often blur the lines between reality and the supernatural, leaving readers questioning their own perceptions of the world. The narratives are structured in a way that grips the reader’s attention from the very first page, with unexpected twists and turns that keep them on the edge of their seat. Set against the backdrop of the early 20th century, Sinclair’s work reflects the societal changes and anxieties of the time, making it a fascinating piece of literary history. May Sinclair herself was a prolific writer and a prominent figure in the feminist movement of her time. Her background in psychology and interest in the paranormal provided her with a unique perspective that is evident in ‘Uncanny Stories’. This collection is recommended for readers who enjoy atmospheric and thought-provoking tales that challenge conventional notions of reality and the supernatural.
Over de auteur
May Sinclair was the pseudonym of Mary Amelia St. Clair (1863 – 1946), a prolific British writer known for her novels, poetry, and literary criticism, and as an active suffragist. Sinclair’s foray into literature began with poetry and critical essays, but she soon established herself as a novelist with a particular interest in exploring the inner lives of her characters, a technique that prefaced the stream of consciousness style of writing. Her interest in psychology, particularly the works of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung, influenced much of her fiction, with a notable exploration of the human psyche in works like ‘Mary Olivier: A Life’ and ‘Life and Death of Harriett Frean’. Sinclair also contributed to the field of modernist literature; ‘The Three Sisters’ is regarded as a significant work that grapples with issues of women’s independence and free will at the start of the 20th century. Her collection ‘Uncanny Stories’ delves into supernatural fiction, containing tales that fuse her psychological interests with explorations of the paranormal. Sinclair was regarded as an interpreter of modernist thought and was an active member of the Woman Writers’ Suffrage League. Her contributions to literature and feminist thought remain influential, rendering Sinclair a notable figure in the annals of early 20th-century British literature.