When William Came

In "When William Came," Saki (H.H. Munro) intricately weaves a satirical narrative set amidst a fictionalized Britain under German occupation. The novella is marked by Saki's characteristic wit and incisive social commentary, employing a blend of rich, descriptive prose and sharp dialogue that critiques Edwardian society's absurdities and vulnerabilities. Through a compelling plot centered on patriotism, identity, and the absurdities of war, Saki explores the tumultuous psychological landscape of characters facing an unsettling new reality, all while maintaining a humorous undertone that challenges traditional notions of heroism. Saki, a master of the short story form and a keen observer of human behavior, was born in 1870 in Akyab, Burma, and later moved to England. His experiences during the First World War and observations of the societal transformations of his time influenced his writing, allowing him to infuse his work with a blend of dark humor and poignant irony. Saki's background also endowed him with an acute awareness of the complexities of British nationalism and the absurdities of political maneuvers during wartime, which are all reflected in this novella. For readers seeking a sharp, engaging exploration of societal norms during wartime, "When William Came" is a must-read. Its combination of humor, critical insight, and imaginative storytelling makes it a significant contribution to early 20th-century literature. This work not only entertains but also encourages reflection on the nature of conflict and the human condition, solidifying Saki's place as a remarkable voice in literary history.


  1. The Complete Novels and Short Stories of Saki

    Saki, Zenith Horizon Publishing

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  2. The Classic Collection of Saki : The Music on the Hill, The Unrest-Cure, Gabriel-Ernest, The Open Window and others

    Saki

    audiobook
  3. The Complete Novels and Stories of Saki : The Witty, Macabre, and Brilliantly Ironic Works of H. H. Munro

    Saki, Zenith Evergreen Literary Co

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  4. Tobermory y otros cuentos de humor y de horror

    Saki

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  5. Saki : Timeless Tales for the Modern Reader

    Saki, Zenith Crescent Moon Press

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  6. Selected Works of Saki : The Unrest-Cure. The Music on the Hill

    Saki

    audiobook
  7. The Ultimate Christmas Collection : 50+ Stories from Dickens, Clement Moore, Hans Christian Anderson, Washington Irving, Louisa May Alcott, Selma Lagerlof, Mark Twain, James Joyce, & Many More

    Charles Dickens, G.K. Chesterton, Saki, Robert Louis Stevenson, Clement Moore, King James Bible, Arthur Conan Doyle, Leo Tolstoy, F. Scott Fitzgerald, O.Henry, Francis Hodgson Burnett, ETA Hoffman, Anton Chekhov, Willa Cather, Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Washington Irving, James Joyce, Louisa May Alcott, Mark Twain, Selma Largerlof

    audiobook
  8. Anthology of Classic Short Stories. Vol. 2 (Animals)

    Saki, Leo Tolstoy, Stephen Crane, Anton Chekhov, Rudyard Kipling, Edgar Allan Poe, Katherine Mansfield, Pu Songlbying, Franz Kafka

    audiobookbook
  9. Anthology of Classic Short Stories. Vol. 7 (Humour, Satire and Tall Tales)

    O.Henry, Mark Twain, Saki, Johann Peter Hebel, Rudolf Erich Raspe, Ring Lardner, Charlotte Perkins Gilman, Voltaire

    audiobookbook
  10. Young Lady Albert Is Courting Disaster: Volume 8

    Saki

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  11. Young Lady Albert Is Courting Disaster: Volume 7

    Saki

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  12. Young Lady Albert Is Courting Disaster: Volume 6

    Saki

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