Allow me to introduce you to the wonderful Hjalmar Söderberg whose collection of short stories has consumed the last day of my life.
If you are already acquainted, then excuse my presumption, but allow me to refresh your memory of these wonderful phrases:
There are people who are not exactly devoid of conscience, but who have never by themselves come upon the idea that they might have done something wrong.
The two old ladies stop in front of the bronze group and exchange their thoughts about the work of art; I cannot hear what they are saying, but I see from the shaking of heads and from the violent waving of the dark green parasols in the air that they are regarding the matter from the point of view of morality rather than aesthetics, and that their verdict is unfavourable.
There is wisdom and wisdom. The wise men of old will always remain the wisest of all. But there will come a time when any fool can do a number of things which the wise men of old considered impossible. Tricks and trifles of no special importance. But what is it that you want of me?
Wonderful short-stories, (of the variety that actually are short stories, rather than disguised novellas) with a point to make, and ideas to plant… Never over-written & remarkably prescient, this collection contains what may be my favourite ever piece of short prose.
Meanwhile, I will most certainly be exploring what is apparently the man’s masterpiece – the novel Dr Glas in the very near future… expect more to come.
Love regards etc