Under Capricorn: Enriched edition. Exploring the depths of human emotions in a collection of riveting short stories set in colonial Australia

by Helen de Guerry Simpson

Helen Simpson's 'Under Capricorn' is a riveting collection of short stories that delve deep into the human psyche and examine the complexities of relationships and daily struggles. With a keen eye for detail and a sharp wit, Simpson captures the essence of modern life through the lens of her diverse characters. Each story is masterfully crafted, with prose that is both engaging and thought-provoking, drawing the reader into a world where emotions run raw and true. Simpson's work stands out in the literary landscape for its unique blend of realism and poetic language, making 'Under Capricorn' a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction. Helen Simpson's background as a highly acclaimed author and playwright shines through in this collection, showcasing her talent for storytelling and character development. Drawing from personal experiences and observations of human nature, Simpson brings a fresh perspective to the genre, cementing her reputation as a literary force to be reckoned with. I highly recommend 'Under Capricorn' to anyone seeking a profound and captivating exploration of the human condition.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction

265 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 1937

About the author

NOT Helen Simpson short story writer, born 1959.

Helen Simpson was an Australian-born writer, who lived in England from the age of 16. She studied music at Oxford, before becoming a novelist, a writer of historical biography, a radio broadcaster and a politician.

She joined the 1931 Detection Club, and wrote a chapter for Ask a Policeman 1933.

Works:

Novels:

Acquittal (1925)
The Baseless Fabric (1925)
Cups, Wands and Swords (1927)
Mumbudget (1928)
The Desolate House (1929)
Enter Sir John (1929)(with Clemence Dane)-filmed as Murder! (1930) by Alfred Hitchcock
Printer's Devil (1930)(with Clemence Dane)
Vantage Striker (1931)
Boomerang (1932), winner of the James Tait Black Memorial Prize
Re-enter Sir John (1932)(with Clemence Dane)
The Woman on the Beast (1933)
The Spanish Marriage (1933)(with Clemence Dane)
Henry VIII (1934)(with Clemence Dane)
Saraband for Dead Lovers (1935, produced as a film)
The Female Felon (1935)
Under Capricorn (1937, produced as a film in 1949)
A Woman Among Wild Men (1938)(with Clemence Dane)
Maid No More (1940)

Plays:
Masks (1921)
A Man of His Time (1923)
The Women's Comedy (1926)
Pan in Pimlico (1926)

Poetry:
Philosophies in Little (1921)

Other:
The Happy Housewife (1934)

Translation:
A selection from Louis-Sebastian Mercier's Le Tableau de Paris under the title 'The Waiting City' (1933).

Reviews

[Michelle Hickey · Rating 3 out of 5]

An intriguing premise however the execution was poor in parts. I felt it could have used a heavier hand in the editing.

Originally published in 1937 it taps into the curiosity and mistreatment of Aboriginal people by white settlers which is uncomfortable for modern readers.

This book is unusual in the fact it paints the female protagonist as an alcoholic. Often women are depicted in historical fiction as nervous or simpering not typically as alcoholics.

[Pip · Rating 1 out of 5]

The consistent and really unpleasant racism against Indigenous people ruined this book, and the worst stuff is from the narrator so it can’t be defended as allegedly depicting views which would be “in character” for the people in the story. I don’t recommend it.

[Berna · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5 stars rounded up to 4.
Very boring up until the last 30%. Only a decent ending.