Julia’s Reviews > The Birds: Short Stories > Status Update

THE OLD MAN

I liked this last one. At first I thought the first sentences would have already ruined the story like when a trailer for a film has the best scenes in it. But it’s not the case. I was hoping for the end that gladly came but I wasn’t too sure it would.

KISS ME AGAIN STRANGER

Cringe and creepy are the two words that come to my mind after reading this story. I didn’t see the end coming even though it’s rather simple. I enjoyed it.

THE APPLE TREE

The third story of this collection isn’t as thrilling as the first two. I expected more to happen after the first pages as it seemed haunting. But it turned out to be quite simple except for the one rather unexpected thing being unveiled in the end. I liked reading it nevertheless.

Monte Verità: The second story of the collection is a mysterious mountain climbing adventure that turns out very different than the way you think it might in the beginning. It’s a story about cultural differences and the different ways of finding your peace. It’s less mysterious and more contemplating than other du Maurier stories.

THE BIRDS

I had forgotten how scary this story is! I read it once before — years ago — and I watched the film adaptation, which I remember had scared me a lot as well. This isn’t one of Du Mauriers subtly eerie stories, it’s full on horrifying but in a way that still leaves things for your imagination. I like it a lot! I can’t recommend reading it outside, though. Read it somewhere without birds.