Seven Gothic Tales by Isak Dinesen is a collection of dark and evocative stories, drawing readers in to an eerie world of secrets and tragedy. Written between 1927 and 1932, the collection is widely heralded as an essential work of European literature, not only for its literary merits but also for its honest reflection of the cultural and political climate of Denmark and the wider world during the years of its publication.
The opening story, 'The Deluge at Norderney', sets the tone for the collection, introducing readers to the distinctive Gothic atmosphere of Dinesen’s work. It tells the story of a shipwreck and of a group of survivors, adrift on a lifeboat in the tumultuous sea. Through their conversations, we learn of the mysterious past the characters have shared, of the avarice and deceit that lies beneath the polite façade of each character. This theme of secrets and lies permeates through the collection, alongside a darkly romantic take on human nature and our capacity for kindness and cruelty.
The next tale, 'The Old Chevalier', lifts readers to a more historical location. We meet a noble man, whose quest for lost love leads him to a twelve-hundred year old castle, where his story and his grief collide. This tale of chivalry, bravery and honour is inspired by Christian Mythology as well as by the works of Walt Whitman, creating a thought-provoking blend of fantasy and realism.
The third story, 'The Monkey', returns us to the seaside setting of 'The Deluge at Norderney'. This time the focus is on a maddened widow, who delights in the loyalty of her petmonkey, before tragedy strikes and her sanctuary is broken. We follow the monkey on its quest to reunite its mistress’ shattered soul, which leads it onto a journey of discovery and understanding.
The fourth tale, 'The Dreamers', takes readers on a daring flight of fancy, as a young woman dreams of a mysterious city full of beautiful veiled women. As she encounters these enigmatic women, she is beguiled by their strange stories and audacious fashions, ultimately uncovering a secret plot which she must somehow outwit.
The fifth story, 'The Burgomaster of Shooter's Station', contrasts sharply with the dream-like tales which have preceded it, instead giving readers a mock-heroic vision of reality. We meet two women whose jealous dispute upends an entire town and leads to a comical trial. The story lightens the tone, whilst still keeping with the collection’s spiritual and moral themes.
The sixth tale, 'Sorrow-Acre', reverses the situation described in 'The Burgomaster of Shooter's Station', by showing how the pride of a ruling family can be undone by external forces. We follow the fortunes of Count Kierkegaard, whose faith in ambition and wealth see his ventures come crashing down around him.
Finally, the collection concludes with 'The Ehremberg Necklace', which introduces us to the mysterious Countess Ehremberg, who trades grief and death in order to rebuild a powerful dynasty. Through the stories of her family, we explore the nature of love, loyalty and power.
As a collection, then, Seven Gothic Tales by Isak Dinesen captures the beauty, the tragedy, and the darkness of rural european life in the early 20th century. Through these stories, Dinesen examines the nature of humanity, on both a grand and an intimate level. This examination is made all the more powerful through the inclusion of Gothic elements like vague terrors, secrets, and eerie settings. These combine to create a distinctly unsettling atmosphere, as each story leads us to explore questions of morality, faith and redemption. Ultimately, Seven Gothic Tales by Isak Dinesen is an unforgettable, haunting exploration of human existence.
