Vaila: Enriched edition. A Dark and Gothic Scottish Tale of Mystery and Intrigue

by M.P. Shiel

In M.P. Shiel's 'Vaila', readers are immersed in a thrilling and mysterious tale that combines elements of science fiction, fantasy, and horror. Shiel's intricate and atmospheric prose, reminiscent of H.G. Wells, creates a sense of unease and wonder throughout the narrative. Set in the remote Scottish isles, the story follows the protagonist as he uncovers dark secrets and encounters supernatural beings, blurring the lines between reality and imagination. The novel's gothic and suspenseful tone keeps readers on the edge of their seats, making it a captivating read for fans of classic Victorian literature. M.P. Shiel, known for his unconventional and visionary works, drew inspiration from his fascination with the supernatural and the unknown. His unique perspective and keen imagination shine through in 'Vaila', offering a thought-provoking and immersive reading experience. Shiel's background in science fiction and horror literature can be seen in the rich character development and intricate plot twists that keep readers engaged until the final page. For those seeking a captivating and thought-provoking read that combines elements of mystery, fantasy, and horror, 'Vaila' by M.P. Shiel is a must-read. Fans of classic literature and supernatural fiction will appreciate Shiel's masterful storytelling and the gripping narrative that unfolds in this timeless tale of mystery and intrigue.

Genres: Short Stories

78 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1896

About the author

Matthew Phipps Shiel was a prolific British writer of West Indian descent. His legal surname remained "Shiell" though he adopted the shorter version as a de facto pen name.

He is remembered mostly for supernatural and scientific romances. His work was published as serials, novels, and as short stories. The Purple Cloud (1901; 1929) remains his most famous and often reprinted novel.

Reviews

[Tom · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25⭐

Shiel after a fashion was a Poe aficionado and Vaila is his restatement of Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher. The narrator of the story visits his old university friend Harfager at the Harfager ancestral home on one of the far northern islands of Great Britain. Harfager suffers from hypertrophied hearing, which is known as Hyperacusis, where every day sounds may seem unbearably loud, painful and even frightening. Harfager appears half mad to the narrator as well as his aunt and Aith, their weirdly strange servant. The house is an odd structure made of brass, chained to the storm swept island. According to family records it was built as a result of a fraternal clash between two brothers 500 years before, and it embodies a curse. The house contains a gravity clock that contains little lead balls. When the clock is empty the house shall perish with all the descendent family within. It would seem, though Shiel doesn't explicitly state this that Aith is one of the quarreling brothers of 500 years before coming back to witnesses his final revenge. The curse takes effect with the narrator fortunately escaping the fate of the Harfagers. The story has merit but Shiel is no Poe.

[eleanor · Rating 4 out of 5]

another fave from the collection. reminded me somewhat of a mixture between frankenstein & dracula. also great use of sublimity and nature!!🤩

[Kjsbreda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Atmospheric novella about a 500 year old mansion built over a wide waterfall on a remote island in the North Sea. The story creates many beautiful mental images. Shield wrote it in the style of Edgar Allan Poe's Fall of the House of Usher. There is a giant hourglass of sorts in a cellar of the mansion and, Horfager, who is the last of his tribe of gnomish men, knows that his time is running out.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fascinating journey into a drowning mansion, full of anxiety and nervous breakdowns. Loved the aesthetics, but quite difficult to grasp the complex vocabulary for non-English readers.