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The Coming of Abel Behenna
The Coming of Abel Behenna is a short story by Bram Stoker (the author of Dracula). Abraham "Bram" Stoker (8 November 1847 – 20 April 1912) was an Irish novelist and short story writer, best known today for his 1897 Gothic novel Dracula. During his lifetime, he was better known as personal assistant of actor Henry Irving and business manager of the Lyceum Theatre in London, which Irving owned. Stoker was born on 8 November 1847 at 15 Marino Crescent, Clontarf, on the northside of Dublin, Ireland. His parents were Abraham Stoker (1799–1876), from Dublin, and Charlotte Mathilda Blake Thornley (1818–1901), who was raised in County Sligo. Stoker was the third of seven children, the eldest of whom was Sir Thornley Stoker, 1st Bt. Abraham and Charlotte were members of the Church of Ireland Parish of Clontarf and attended the parish church with their children, who were baptised there. Stoker was bedridden with an unknown illness until he started school at the age of seven, when he made a complete recovery. Of this time, Stoker wrote, "I was naturally thoughtful, and the leisure of long illness gave opportunity for many thoughts which were fruitful according to their kind in later years." He was educated in a private school run by the Rev. William Woods. After his recovery, he grew up without further major health issues, even excelling as an athlete (he was named University Athlete) at Trinity College, Dublin, which he attended from 1864 to 1870. He graduated with honours as a B.A. in Mathematics. He was auditor of the College Historical Society ('the Hist') and president of the University Philosophical Society, where his first paper was on "Sensationalism in Fiction and Society".
34 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2005
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About the author
Bram Stoker
2,676 books5,895 followersIrish-born Abraham Stoker, known as Bram, of Britain wrote the gothic horror novel
Dracula
(1897).
The feminist Charlotte Mathilda Blake Thornely Stoker at 15 Marino crescent, then as now called "the crescent," in Fairview, a coastal suburb of Dublin, Ireland, bore this third of seven children. The parents, members of church of Ireland, attended the parish church of Saint John the Baptist, located on Seafield road west in Clontarf with their baptized children.
Stoker, an invalid, started school at the age of seven years in 1854, when he made a complete and astounding recovery. Of this time, Stoker wrote, "I was naturally thoughtful, and the leisure of long illness gave opportunity for many thoughts which were fruitful according to their kind in later years."
After his recovery, he, a normal young man, even excelled as a university athlete at Trinity college, Dublin form 1864 to 1870 and graduated with honors in mathematics. He served as auditor of the college historical society and as president of the university philosophical society with his first paper on "Sensationalism in Fiction and Society."
In 1876, while employed as a civil servant in Dublin, Stoker wrote a non-fiction book (The Duties of Clerks of Petty Sessions in Ireland, published 1879) and theatre reviews for The Dublin Mail, a newspaper partly owned by fellow horror writer J. Sheridan Le Fanu. His interest in theatre led to a lifelong friendship with the English actor Henry Irving. He also wrote stories, and in 1872 "The Crystal Cup" was published by the London Society, followed by "The Chain of Destiny" in four parts in The Shamrock.
In 1878 Stoker married Florence Balcombe, a celebrated beauty whose former suitor was Oscar Wilde. The couple moved to London, where Stoker became business manager (at first as acting-manager) of Irving's Lyceum Theatre, a post he held for 27 years. The collaboration with Irving was very important for Stoker and through him he became involved in London's high society, where he met, among other notables, James McNeil Whistler, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. In the course of Irving's tours, Stoker got the chance to travel around the world.
The Stokers had one son, Irving Noel, who was born on December 31, 1879.
People cremated the body of Bram Stoker and placed his ashes placed in a display urn at Golders green crematorium. After death of Irving Noel Stoker in 1961, people added his ashes to that urn. Despite the original plan to keep ashes of his parents together, after death, people scattered ashes of Florence Stoker at the gardens of rest.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bram_Stoker
The feminist Charlotte Mathilda Blake Thornely Stoker at 15 Marino crescent, then as now called "the crescent," in Fairview, a coastal suburb of Dublin, Ireland, bore this third of seven children. The parents, members of church of Ireland, attended the parish church of Saint John the Baptist, located on Seafield road west in Clontarf with their baptized children.
Stoker, an invalid, started school at the age of seven years in 1854, when he made a complete and astounding recovery. Of this time, Stoker wrote, "I was naturally thoughtful, and the leisure of long illness gave opportunity for many thoughts which were fruitful according to their kind in later years."
After his recovery, he, a normal young man, even excelled as a university athlete at Trinity college, Dublin form 1864 to 1870 and graduated with honors in mathematics. He served as auditor of the college historical society and as president of the university philosophical society with his first paper on "Sensationalism in Fiction and Society."
In 1876, while employed as a civil servant in Dublin, Stoker wrote a non-fiction book (The Duties of Clerks of Petty Sessions in Ireland, published 1879) and theatre reviews for The Dublin Mail, a newspaper partly owned by fellow horror writer J. Sheridan Le Fanu. His interest in theatre led to a lifelong friendship with the English actor Henry Irving. He also wrote stories, and in 1872 "The Crystal Cup" was published by the London Society, followed by "The Chain of Destiny" in four parts in The Shamrock.
In 1878 Stoker married Florence Balcombe, a celebrated beauty whose former suitor was Oscar Wilde. The couple moved to London, where Stoker became business manager (at first as acting-manager) of Irving's Lyceum Theatre, a post he held for 27 years. The collaboration with Irving was very important for Stoker and through him he became involved in London's high society, where he met, among other notables, James McNeil Whistler, and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. In the course of Irving's tours, Stoker got the chance to travel around the world.
The Stokers had one son, Irving Noel, who was born on December 31, 1879.
People cremated the body of Bram Stoker and placed his ashes placed in a display urn at Golders green crematorium. After death of Irving Noel Stoker in 1961, people added his ashes to that urn. Despite the original plan to keep ashes of his parents together, after death, people scattered ashes of Florence Stoker at the gardens of rest.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bram_Stoker
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 24, 2024
আমি আপনি ছোটবেলায় রুপকথার যেসব গল্প শুনে বড় হয়েছি ঠিক সেরকম একটি গল্প হতে পারতো ব্রাম স্টোকারের দ্য কামিং অব অ্যাবেল বেহেন্না। যেখানে বন্ধুত্ব, ভালোবাসা, ঈর্ষা আর বিশ্বাসঘাতকতাকে ছাপিয়েও একটা জিনিস আপনার উপর জাকিয়ে বসবে। আর তা হচ্ছে ভয়। ব্রাম স্টোকার যে দারুণ একজন শক্তিশালী লেখক ছিলেন তার আরেকটা প্রমাণ এরকম অসংখ্য সব ছোটগল্প।
গল্পটি পড়েছি অভিজ্ঞান গাঙ্গুলির অনুবাদে 'ব্রাম স্টোকার - ভয় সমগ্র' বইটি থেকে। যেখানে পেয়ে যাবেন ব্রাম স্টোকারের আরো অসংখ্য ছোটগল্প। উল্লেখ্য : মুল গল্পের সারাহ (Sarah) নামটি অনুবাদক মশাই 'সেরা' নামে অনুবাদ করেছে। আমার কাছে সারাহ টাই বেশি সুন্দর লেগেছে।
গল্পটি পড়েছি অভিজ্ঞান গাঙ্গুলির অনুবাদে 'ব্রাম স্টোকার - ভয় সমগ্র' বইটি থেকে। যেখানে পেয়ে যাবেন ব্রাম স্টোকারের আরো অসংখ্য ছোটগল্প। উল্লেখ্য : মুল গল্পের সারাহ (Sarah) নামটি অনুবাদক মশাই 'সেরা' নামে অনুবাদ করেছে। আমার কাছে সারাহ টাই বেশি সুন্দর লেগেছে।
February 20, 2018
This is only the second story I've read by Bram Stoker, my first being
Crooken Sands
, which left me a little confused. Wanting to clear my Kindle App up so I could get some of my phone storage back, I decided to read some of the other short stories I had by Bram Stoke on my Kindle. The Coming of Abel Behenna happened to be the first one in alphabetical order, so I decided to start off with this one.
The first thing I noticed about this short story, was the mass of description that Stoker has throughout the story. They're absolutely stunning, and really set up a picture in your mind that you just can't forget straight away. Even whilst writing this up now, I can still remember the first descriptions from the first few pages of this story, and the imagery in my head makes me breathless. It amazes me that such simple imagery can be made to haunt me so simply by a few simple sentences in a paragraph, but Stoker really manages to enhance that and again, it just leaves me speechless and in awe.
Despite the fact this was only a 20-30 page story, it took me some time to get into it, due to the amount of how much description there was setting up the initial scene. I did leave this a few times and had to keep coming back to it before I eventually settled down to it, and from then on, I couldn't put it down.
The Coming of Abel Behenna is a short story set in Penzance, Cornwall, England, and is about a young woman who has two suitors for her husband; one of these men is Abel. With both men wanting to court her, the story begins on a line of a bet, and allows for all sorts of mischief and ill deeds to happen.
There's not much horror to this past the ending of the story, and a bad decision made by one of the characters, but that's really all there is to it. Despite not usually enjoying this kind of horror, I actually found myself really into this story, and excited to read over and I am definitely interested in looking into this again and reading it another time this year.
Overall, this is a 4 star read, 3 star if you're not in a decent mood upon reading it (in my opinion). Although a strong contender, I don't quite think this is one of Stoker's strongest stories, although it's extremely rivetting. For people just getting into classics, and those who don't like over the top creepiness in their horror fiction, I think this would be a definite start up for them.
The first thing I noticed about this short story, was the mass of description that Stoker has throughout the story. They're absolutely stunning, and really set up a picture in your mind that you just can't forget straight away. Even whilst writing this up now, I can still remember the first descriptions from the first few pages of this story, and the imagery in my head makes me breathless. It amazes me that such simple imagery can be made to haunt me so simply by a few simple sentences in a paragraph, but Stoker really manages to enhance that and again, it just leaves me speechless and in awe.
Despite the fact this was only a 20-30 page story, it took me some time to get into it, due to the amount of how much description there was setting up the initial scene. I did leave this a few times and had to keep coming back to it before I eventually settled down to it, and from then on, I couldn't put it down.
The Coming of Abel Behenna is a short story set in Penzance, Cornwall, England, and is about a young woman who has two suitors for her husband; one of these men is Abel. With both men wanting to court her, the story begins on a line of a bet, and allows for all sorts of mischief and ill deeds to happen.
There's not much horror to this past the ending of the story, and a bad decision made by one of the characters, but that's really all there is to it. Despite not usually enjoying this kind of horror, I actually found myself really into this story, and excited to read over and I am definitely interested in looking into this again and reading it another time this year.
Overall, this is a 4 star read, 3 star if you're not in a decent mood upon reading it (in my opinion). Although a strong contender, I don't quite think this is one of Stoker's strongest stories, although it's extremely rivetting. For people just getting into classics, and those who don't like over the top creepiness in their horror fiction, I think this would be a definite start up for them.
November 12, 2024
A maritime reinterpretation of the Cain and Abel myth, where the all seeing eye of God is now the attention of a spoiled girl - honestly the two men should have ditched her and lived together as bachelors.
The horror component is, unlike the one in Dracula, entirely natural and psychological (which surprised me, as I was expecting some kind of folkloristic demon to appear) but one that is still very compelling.
The horror component is, unlike the one in Dracula, entirely natural and psychological (which surprised me, as I was expecting some kind of folkloristic demon to appear) but one that is still very compelling.
August 1, 2018
Stoker spends more time describing scenery because there isn't much to the story. The title gives you a general idea and you can guess the end halfway through. Not saying it's bad; only that he's done better.
June 29, 2018
I enjoy Bram Stoker’s writing more and more with each work of his I read. This one has the setting done stunningly, getting you into the mood for the story.
Despite the fact that the characters were kind of unlikable, you could resonate with them from some point of view.
It’s not a horror story, maybe just chilling. It’s a good one though for some psychology study.
Reaaally enjoyed it, I recommend it to anyone❣️.
Despite the fact that the characters were kind of unlikable, you could resonate with them from some point of view.
It’s not a horror story, maybe just chilling. It’s a good one though for some psychology study.
Reaaally enjoyed it, I recommend it to anyone❣️.
May 25, 2020
This is by far my favorite story of Bram Stoker. And though there were no monsters, in the sense that one expects in the kind of horror, of the kind of Dracula or the Lair of the White Worm. This book had me gripped all through out. Definitely worth the read. I wish I could have given it more stars.
January 16, 2021
Stoker u ovoj priči veoma deteljno opisuje krajolik u koji je smetio radnju svog ljubavnog trougla. Sara ne može da se odluči da li da se uda za tamnokosog Ejbela ili svetlokosog Erika, pa prijatelji bacaju novčić za devojku. Ali, komplikacije slede...
June 10, 2019
3.5 Stars - rounded up since the descriptions of the nature was beautiful.
Probably one of Stokers stories that actually made sense. 😂
I had the sickest “This is a fairytale”-feeling, since we are introduced to one woman named Sarah, who got two suitors, Eric and Abel, both competing for her hand, and both handsome. One looking like a gypsy, the other as a Viking.
It’s not a typical horror story, but I will say it ended rather grim.
Read: 10/06/2019
1st rating: 3.5 stars
Genre/sub genres: (Short story) - Courting/horror/broken friendship
Cover: 3 stars
Will I recommend: Yes
Probably one of Stokers stories that actually made sense. 😂
I had the sickest “This is a fairytale”-feeling, since we are introduced to one woman named Sarah, who got two suitors, Eric and Abel, both competing for her hand, and both handsome. One looking like a gypsy, the other as a Viking.
It’s not a typical horror story, but I will say it ended rather grim.
Read: 10/06/2019
1st rating: 3.5 stars
Genre/sub genres: (Short story) - Courting/horror/broken friendship
Cover: 3 stars
Will I recommend: Yes
September 3, 2023
Entertainig fantasy listening 🎧
I istented to this as part of a nine short story of Bram Stoker stories. Each of the stories was different with interesting well developed characters lots of action and misdirection leading to each conclusion. The nine short stories was a surprise but enjoyable listening which I would highly recommend to readers of fantasy, horror, and mystery stories. 2023 😎👻☠❤✨
I istented to this as part of a nine short story of Bram Stoker stories. Each of the stories was different with interesting well developed characters lots of action and misdirection leading to each conclusion. The nine short stories was a surprise but enjoyable listening which I would highly recommend to readers of fantasy, horror, and mystery stories. 2023 😎👻☠❤✨
April 13, 2019
I didn't find this a very interesting story, but it's not bad.
November 18, 2020
I couldn't get interested in any of the three characters of the love triangle especially the female character Sarah who was a very shallow vain and quite a dislikeable person.
July 23, 2021
A horror story of expert order.
The contrivance of the beginning reminded me of a favorite Aphra Behn poem, in which two lovers are beloved by our narrator. She repines that Cupid had given her two arrows, and she makes known that, if one disappeared, the other would be untenable: with both is she happy. Stoker's story is something like this, but instead of solving the problem by forming a polyamorous relationship, the triangle of love must end with the woman choosing--and she cannot do it.
Characterized as weak-willed, dominated by her conniving mother, and quite easily manipulated, the protagonist of this story, despite seeming to be unlikeable, was sympathized for by me; and it makes me sad that Abel (clearly the better man out of the two male lovers) would not come back in supernatural fanfare to make known his murderer, although the point that Stoker makes with his more gruesome ending fits more with the story, in a way: the devil was brought into their courting, and he took it to the extreme.
The mother character was a nice addition to the text. So far, the book of Stoker's short stories I have been reading is filled with overly-emotional women, often done in a clearly sexist manner, so having a woman that isn't like this is refreshing.
Like other Stoker short stories, I suppose that this one didn't grab me, and thus I give it 3 stars. It doesn't seem to deserve more.
The contrivance of the beginning reminded me of a favorite Aphra Behn poem, in which two lovers are beloved by our narrator. She repines that Cupid had given her two arrows, and she makes known that, if one disappeared, the other would be untenable: with both is she happy. Stoker's story is something like this, but instead of solving the problem by forming a polyamorous relationship, the triangle of love must end with the woman choosing--and she cannot do it.
Characterized as weak-willed, dominated by her conniving mother, and quite easily manipulated, the protagonist of this story, despite seeming to be unlikeable, was sympathized for by me; and it makes me sad that Abel (clearly the better man out of the two male lovers) would not come back in supernatural fanfare to make known his murderer, although the point that Stoker makes with his more gruesome ending fits more with the story, in a way: the devil was brought into their courting, and he took it to the extreme.
The mother character was a nice addition to the text. So far, the book of Stoker's short stories I have been reading is filled with overly-emotional women, often done in a clearly sexist manner, so having a woman that isn't like this is refreshing.
Like other Stoker short stories, I suppose that this one didn't grab me, and thus I give it 3 stars. It doesn't seem to deserve more.
November 27, 2023
Although it was clear that there was going to be a shock ending for one of the male suitors, it was uncertain until the end just who was going to be the victor. From a readers perspective, you would wonder how these two guys would allow themselves to get into the situation that they did, but as we know, when it includes a woman all common sense goes out the window.
I liked this story, and the theme of betrayal and dishonour when competing for a woman.
I liked this story, and the theme of betrayal and dishonour when competing for a woman.
October 25, 2020
It's definitely not a horror story, but it does end chillingly. All of the principle characters are annoying and weak in character, especially the mother, although she is more conniving I suppose (I don't mean that good in any way though). The one redeeming quality is the style of writing. Mr. Stoker is a master at that.
September 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this short story about Abel and Cain both wanting to marry Sarah who is undecided in whom she would like to wed. Even though this story was written many years ago, the themes throughout it still resonate today. The horror in this tale doesn’t really happen until the end, and it is of a psychological nature. Overall, a quick, enjoyable read, that does make you question how we can be selfish, jealous or indecisive in life.
June 25, 2022
https://archive.org/details/weirdtale...
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/10150...
Weird Tales reprint of a short story, first serialized in two parts in Lloyd's Weekly Newspaper March 26, 1893 and April 2, 1893.
http://www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/title.cg...
https://www.gutenberg.org/files/10150...
Weird Tales reprint of a short story, first serialized in two parts in Lloyd's Weekly Newspaper March 26, 1893 and April 2, 1893.
http://www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/title.cg...
November 18, 2024
Good plot but all I disliked all three main characters, couldn't find myself root for any of them. I even got a bit angry whoops.
It's also a bit predictable, the moment the ship showed up I knew how it was going to end
Still, it's a fun and short read
It's also a bit predictable, the moment the ship showed up I knew how it was going to end
Still, it's a fun and short read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 30, 2024
Simple yet effective story in showing how the 'easier' path to power comes with a cost. Is seen in the bible, Eastern mythologys' asuras, and also in popular fiction (40k with Horus, Star wars with Dark Side, etc).
I'll be making a video about this later.
I'll be making a video about this later.
October 13, 2023
3.5 stars
November 14, 2023
I liked the plot but I didn't like the way it was done
February 8, 2024
Another good Stoker short.
August 13, 2024
Too long for a bad short story
September 12, 2024
It was ok, though the beginning promised something entirely different then what we got.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews