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Many, many years ago, I read a collection of Maupassant's stories in French, back when course reading lists dictated my reading goals and when I willingly did what I was told. But to read them again, in English, of my own volition, is an entirely different experience. How I enjoyed his conversational style of writing and his deep understanding of the lower castes of society. It is impossible to choose a favourite story, although I lean towards The Necklace simply because he captures the honesty of the poorer class so remarkably. I also loved Uncle Jules for the compassion which a child shows towards a destitute oyster shucker. Despite the 130 years between his writing and my reading, the themes are constant and have stood the test of time.