A Way With Words and So Very Much Oof

I made it two stories into this collection, which I admittedly only made a point of giving a go with it's impending leaving of the Audible Included library, before I had to DNF. There absolutely is a certain level of understanding a time in which a work was created, but this simply gives context and some explanation, it doesn't absolve anything. The sheer levels of imperialist delight that ooze from Kipling's work, even when seemingly critiquing to extremes characters might go to, and just the virulent discussion of race is just too gross to get past -- somehow it's the passivity and casual nature with which these elements are often included that highlights just how deeply held and intrinsic to his writing Kipling's views were.

The quality of some of the prose is undeniable, but the second story truly has no pacing and seems to go on far past a more impactful end to absolutely sputter out. I enjoy the verbose and rambling gothic tales on Poe that at least have a rich use of language and a musicality to them that is missing from Kipling in the moments where he goes on and on.

Famous and fundamental? Yeah. But, there are far better and less sneering, fart sniffing works from Kipling's time to now that give a much more accurate view of the time and English atrocities. This is a classic author I've have given a go and can now happily not explore further.

Sean Barrett is good. It's a real trip having been so used to hearing their voice narrating Warhammer books and audio dramas and then hearing them do this. There is absolutely some very questionable accent work that really isn't necessary. ( )

Another book I'm reading for class. This made me want to read Kim again (and perhaps I shall). ( )

Another book I'm reading for class. This made me want to read Kim again (and perhaps I shall). ( )