
What Amazon says

MESSAGE FOUND IN A BOTTLE: The sole survivor of a sudden storm is trapped on a phantom freighter, doomed to an unknown destiny.
THE OBLONG BOX: An ordinary voyage is cursed by its strange and mysterious cargo.
Also includes:
THE LIGHT-HOUSE
THE OVAL PORTRAIT
My review
This short collection by Edgar Allan Poe was full of his usual dark and creepy happenings expressed with powerful and unique language that leaves you amazed at the writer’s skill with words.
The message in a bottle depicts an ocean voyage that goes very wrong resulting in only two survivors. The descriptions of the lead up to the terrible storm, typical leadership mistakes made by the captain due to false confidence, and state of the survivors, are vivid and exciting. The survivors stow away on a great ship that investigates their damaged vessel, successfully hiding from the very strange crew who appear ancient and alive due to external forces. The protagonist decides to record the events of his strange life and circumstances and eventually seals his notes in a glass bottle which he throws into the sea.
The oval portrait is a story about a man in a severely distressed state of mind who over identifies with a portrait of a lovely young girl.
The oblong box was the creepiest of them all as it disclosed a mental state that has devised a devious plan to circumvent customs and superstitious beliefs for his own personal benefit. An excellent short story.
You can purchase this audiobook from Amazon US here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0980058112
Sounds very very creepy. Just premise alone freaks one out. ☠️👻
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Poe’s writing is creepy. His stories have stood the test of time.
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I love Poe ❤️
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So do I, thanks Lesley 🧟♀️
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Great review of great, eerie stories, Robbie. I’ve read them all in a Poe collection I’ve had since I was a kid. 🙂
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Hi Dave, I hadn’t read the stories in this collection when I acquired it. My collection had the better known stories and poems. I do like Poe 🧛♀️
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Another wonderful review, Robbie.
I know I read many of his stories long ago. It may be time to revisit Poe!
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Hi Merril, I revisited Poe’s works a few years ago. I sometimes go back and read certain stories which I particularly like. I listen to some of his poems on YT quite often. I love The Sleeper.
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Sounds good, Robbie!
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Poe rocks!
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He does 🐦⬛
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That’s when horror was horror.
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Yes, Poe was a real master
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Excellent reviews, Robbie. Poe was definitely a great writer. Thanks for bringing him to our attention again.
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My pleasure, Tim. I do enjoy to revisit Poe from time to time.
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I remember “The Oblong Box” from my youth. You’re right, Poe was so skilled with words!
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Hi Vera, he was an excellent wordsmith. His stories have stood the test of time.
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Poe is great!
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He is, thanks Chris
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No one does horror like Poe. He’s still the master. I read his Collected Works cover to cover.
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HI Liz, Poe was very clever and an excellent writer. I have read all his short stories.
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Thanks for showing us these stories, Robbie. I read The Oblong Box and thought it was very good. Happy Halloween!
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Hi Barbara, I am pleased that you also enjoyed The Oblong Box. The other stories are also very good.
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I’m going to check them out – I’ve always liked Poe. 🎃
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This sounds awesome! And this is a Poe book I’ve never seen. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on it, Robbie!
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Hi Jan, I think these stories are less well known. I also didn’t know about these ones.
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I believe I read this book a very long time ago. I read some Edgar Alla Poe books and I recognize it. Thank you for a great review.
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My pleasure, Thomas. Poe’s writing is fantastic.
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I love this – gets me in the mood for halloween!
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Hi da-Al, Poe really is terrific 🧟♀️
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Hi Robbie, thank you for this excellent post! Your reviews are compelling!
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Thank you, Charles. Poe’s writing is pretty incredible.
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Great review, Robbie! His stories definitely get you excited for Halloween! My husband carved the pumpkin today, so we hope from some trick-or-treaters. 🎃🎃
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Hi Lauren, that is so much fun 🎃
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Hallowe’en fun.
The Oblong Box sounds prophetic. Many men have owned that box.
Poe is perfect this time of year, thanks!
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Hi Resa, you are right about that box. Poe is very thought provoking and chilling. He understood the hearts of men to well, I think.
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I agree!
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Poe always knows how to add a shiver or two to your day. (K)
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Hi Kerfe, yes, Poe was an incredible talent.
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He is the master of horror.
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Hi Darlene, I must agree with you. Thanks for commenting.
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