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Federico DN's Reviews > The Pit and the Pendulum
The Pit and the Pendulum
by
by
The Helping Hand.
During the Spanish Inquisition, countless were incarcerated for heresy, or apprehended for questioning. After being arrested, a man wakes up in his cell. Except everything is pitch black. Is he blind? Is he dead? Is it even a cell?
This was somewhat good, or at least the middle of it. The beginning I found quite messy, and the ending, well� it was good and wowing in a way, but ultimately the resolution felt waaay too convenient for my taste (view spoiler)
Still, like “The Tell-Tale Heart�, “The House of Usher� and a few others, this story is universally regarded as one of Poe’s finest; so despite my low-key rating and my personal reservations, this might just be worth checking out. It may surprise you, and truthfully, for its relative shortness, I do believe it’s worth the gamble, even despite its glaring classicness.
It’s public domain. You can find it
-----------------------------------------------
PERSONAL NOTE :
[1842] [64p] [Horror] [2.5] [Conditional Recommendable]
-----------------------------------------------
★★★☆� The Essential Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe
★★☆☆� The Complete Stories and Poems
★★★☆� The Tell-Tale Heart and Other Writings
★★★☆� The Fall of the House of Usher and Other Tales
★☆☆☆� The Raven and Other Poems
-----------------------------------------------
La Mano Que Ayuda.
Durante la Inquisición Española, innumerables personas fueron encarceladas por herejía o arrestadas para ser interrogadas. Tras ser arrestado, un hombre despierta en su celda. Excepto que todo está completamente oscuro. ¿Está ciego? ¿Está muerto? ¿Es siquiera una celda?
Esto fue dentro de todo bueno, o al menos el desarrollo. El comienzo me pareció medio desastroso, y el final bueno� fue genial y sorpresiva en cierto modo, pero en última instancia la resolución me pareció demasiado conveniente para mi gusto (view spoiler)
Pero bueno, al igual que “El Corazón Delator�, “La Casa de Usher� y otros tantos, esta historia es universalmente considerada como una de las mejores de Poe; así que a pesar de mi discreta calificación y mis reservas personales, creo que bien podría valer la pena echarle un vistazo. Puede que te sorprenda y, la verdad, por su relativa brevedad, creo sinceramente que vale la pena arriesgarse, incluso a pesar de su fragrante clasicismo.
Es dominio público, lo pueden encontrar
-----------------------------------------------
NOTA PERSONAL :
[1842] [64p] [Horror] [2.5] [Recomendable Condicional]
-----------------------------------------------
During the Spanish Inquisition, countless were incarcerated for heresy, or apprehended for questioning. After being arrested, a man wakes up in his cell. Except everything is pitch black. Is he blind? Is he dead? Is it even a cell?
This was somewhat good, or at least the middle of it. The beginning I found quite messy, and the ending, well� it was good and wowing in a way, but ultimately the resolution felt waaay too convenient for my taste (view spoiler)
Still, like “The Tell-Tale Heart�, “The House of Usher� and a few others, this story is universally regarded as one of Poe’s finest; so despite my low-key rating and my personal reservations, this might just be worth checking out. It may surprise you, and truthfully, for its relative shortness, I do believe it’s worth the gamble, even despite its glaring classicness.
It’s public domain. You can find it
-----------------------------------------------
PERSONAL NOTE :
[1842] [64p] [Horror] [2.5] [Conditional Recommendable]
-----------------------------------------------
★★★☆� The Essential Tales and Poems of Edgar Allan Poe
★★☆☆� The Complete Stories and Poems
★★★☆� The Tell-Tale Heart and Other Writings
★★★☆� The Fall of the House of Usher and Other Tales
★☆☆☆� The Raven and Other Poems
-----------------------------------------------
La Mano Que Ayuda.
Durante la Inquisición Española, innumerables personas fueron encarceladas por herejía o arrestadas para ser interrogadas. Tras ser arrestado, un hombre despierta en su celda. Excepto que todo está completamente oscuro. ¿Está ciego? ¿Está muerto? ¿Es siquiera una celda?
Esto fue dentro de todo bueno, o al menos el desarrollo. El comienzo me pareció medio desastroso, y el final bueno� fue genial y sorpresiva en cierto modo, pero en última instancia la resolución me pareció demasiado conveniente para mi gusto (view spoiler)
Pero bueno, al igual que “El Corazón Delator�, “La Casa de Usher� y otros tantos, esta historia es universalmente considerada como una de las mejores de Poe; así que a pesar de mi discreta calificación y mis reservas personales, creo que bien podría valer la pena echarle un vistazo. Puede que te sorprenda y, la verdad, por su relativa brevedad, creo sinceramente que vale la pena arriesgarse, incluso a pesar de su fragrante clasicismo.
Es dominio público, lo pueden encontrar
-----------------------------------------------
NOTA PERSONAL :
[1842] [64p] [Horror] [2.5] [Recomendable Condicional]
-----------------------------------------------
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The Pit and the Pendulum.
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Reading Progress
January 17, 2024
–
Started Reading
January 18, 2024
– Shelved
January 18, 2024
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-50 of 68 (68 new)
message 1:
by
Razvan
(new)
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rated it 2 stars
Jan 24, 2024 01:48AM
Glad to see someone with a similar opinion...
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Razvan wrote: "Glad to see someone with a similar opinion..."Actually I've been meaning to correct it to a 2.5, rounded up; but yeah, totally overrated story.
Great review, Federico, I vaguely recall reading this, but since it escapes me, it's safe to say it didn't quite stick out as one of EAP's best. But, there's always the hope you'll stumble across a much more worthwhile work of his to appreciate more. 😊
Amina wrote: "Great review, Federico, I vaguely recall reading this, but since it escapes me, it's safe to say it didn't quite stick out as one of EAP's best. But, there's always the hope you'll stumble across a..."Totally Amina, I mean if I hadn't wrote this review I'd have probably forgotten all about it too by now lol. Gladly I'm all done with dear Poe, who by my experience I've found has as much winners as he has duds lol. Thank you!
Agree on this. This Penguin 60 with it's three stories ended my reading of Poe.
Daren wrote: "Agree on this. This Penguin 60 with it's three stories ended my reading of Poe."Well, consider yourself lucky Daren! I read the whole thing and sometimes I wish I didn't lol.
I very vaguely remember this one! But I can understand why it's a classic, I suppose. Excellent review, Federico!Happy New Reading Year to you :)
Not worth remembering more than vaguely imho lol. Thank you Alexadra <3. Same for you!
I definitely need a re-read of Poe, I'm impressed you can keep up with his work so well. When the style is so old, I really need to be in the mood for that, or I get bored, unfortunately. Great review, Fede, and thank you for the link, as always (have a wonderful 2025)!
inciminci wrote: "I definitely need a re-read of Poe, I'm impressed you can keep up with his work so well. When the style is so old, I really need to be in the mood for that, or I get bored, unfortunately. Great rev..."Not a fan of Poe Inci! But I read so many of his short stories through so many collections... just decided one day to tick the whole thing and get it over with. But wouldn't recommend it, at least half of his stories I found to be duds :/ . Thank you and same for you too <3.
I greatly appreciate your honest reviews, Federico. Hopefully you're reading a four or five star book currently.
Sharon wrote: "I greatly appreciate your honest reviews, Federico. Hopefully you're reading a four or five star book currently."Actually since returning back to GR haven't read almost nothing at all. GR and writing on the side has already stolen most of my time :/ . Thank you Sharon!
Chewable Orb wrote: "Great review😊"Thank you Orb :D !
Ooh, interesting! I heard so many opposing opinions on this one, that I might just have to read it now.
Ana wrote: "Ooh, interesting! I heard so many opposing opinions on this one, that I might just have to read it now."Most seem to enjoy it, should note I'm outlier here. All the best! Hope you enjoy it Ana :D
The concept is good. The ending ... it can depend on your personal taste, I suppose. Seems like a good enough read for those looking for a solid short Poe story. Good review, Federico.
Thibault wrote: "The concept is good. The ending ... it can depend on your personal taste, I suppose. Seems like a good enough read for those looking for a solid short Poe story. Good review, Federico."Ofc. Totally outlier here anyway :p. Thank you Thibault!
A hit or a miss with the ending then. I wouldn't mind such an ending from other authors but this is Poe, so I want the opposite of what happened. Great review, Federico. :)
Oh wow, with a premise like that, it sounds like this could be such an intense story, so it’s too bad the ending takes the entire climax out of it! Awesome review, Federico🩷
Srivalli wrote: "A hit or a miss with the ending then. I wouldn't mind such an ending from other authors but this is Poe, so I want the opposite of what happened. Great review, Federico. :)"For once Poe gives me a "happy ending" and I totally reject it lol. Oh well. Couldn't help it at the time xD. Thank you Srivalli!
Imme wrote: "Oh wow, with a premise like that, it sounds like this could be such an intense story, so it’s too bad the ending takes the entire climax out of it! Awesome review, Federico🩷"It just felt so unrealistically cliché. Oh well. Anyway I'm outlier here so most have and probably will enjoy it :). Thank you Imme <3.
Great review, Federico
➦Paulette & Her Sexy Alphas� wrote: "Great review, Federico"Thank you Paulette :)
Personalmente comparto la valoración de El corazón delator, y sobre todo el sutil La caída de la Casa Usher, y coincido con tu opinión de que este cuento está muy lejos de tener esos méritos. Buena reseña.
Pedro wrote: "Personalmente comparto la valoración de El corazón delator, y sobre todo el sutil La caída de la Casa Usher, y coincido con tu opinión de que este cuento está muy lejos de tener esos méritos. Buena..."Me alegra entonces no estar tan sólo en ésta :). Gracias Pedro!
Sorry this wasnt the best Federico its super annoying if the end in underwhelming but not worry 2025 has just begin so hopefully we have lots of 5 star reads waiting for you 💞
Zainab wrote: "Sorry this wasnt the best Federico its super annoying if the end in underwhelming but not worry 2025 has just begin so hopefully we have lots of 5 star reads waiting for you 💞"Thank you Zainab! Oh well. Not every one can be winners. Thanks have a great year yourself too! 💞
And the Poe saga continues� At least you keep trying his stories! Wonderful review!
Diana wrote: "And the Poe saga continues� At least you keep trying his stories! Wonderful review!"Fortunately the saga was already finished around mid last year. But I still have a bunch of reviews to share so... lol xD. Thank you Diana!
No, thank you! I'd rather trust your rating and stick with 'The Tell-tale Heart', the only Poe story worth a read IMHO. ;) Appreciate your honest review, Feddie!! �
Rosh wrote: "No, thank you! I'd rather trust your rating and stick with 'The Tell-tale Heart', the only Poe story worth a read IMHO. ;) Appreciate your honest review, Feddie!! �"Yup, better that way. I'm positive you wouldn't enjoy this one at all Roshie. Never, never, never read it lol. Thank you �!
I have yet to read this by him, and I might take a pass after reading your wonderful review. Oh, and Happy New Year to you, Federico! :)
Debbie Y wrote: "I have yet to read this by him, and I might take a pass after reading your wonderful review. Oh, and Happy New Year to you, Federico! :)"I'm outlier here, but it's totally up to you Debbie :). Thank you and Merry New Year 2u2 !
Sounds reminiscent of Stephen King’s, The Stand.
Rain wrote: "Sounds reminiscent of Stephen King’s, The Stand."Could be very possibly Rain! Haven't read it, yet ;)
I would probably side with your advice here, but if I find myself reading a collection by Poe, then I won't skip this because the title does ring a bell. Being such a prolific writer, I wonder if he bothered with an editor?
Nice fair review, Federico :) Sorry this wasn't overall more enjoyable, especially given the way it's considered one of his known works. I think I'll heed your warning & although I won't skip it, not sure I'd go out of my way to read it.
Ron wrote: "I would probably side with your advice here, but if I find myself reading a collection by Poe, then I won't skip this because the title does ring a bell. Being such a prolific writer, I wonder if h..."With dear Poe I've found as many duds as winners, but that's me. I can only assume editors had veeery different goals back then lol. Hope you enjoy it Ron, if you get the chance ;). Thank you!
Fantastic review Fede. I’m fascinated by the premise though it does sound a little deux ex machina-y? Appreciate your awesome review as always! Happy new year friend! 🥂
Chantel wrote: "Nice fair review, Federico :) Sorry this wasn't overall more enjoyable, especially given the way it's considered one of his known works. I think I'll heed your warning & although I won't skip it, n..."Thank you Chantel. I have a feeling you'd enjoy this one. Even though I did not I think the purpose of this story is pretty clear from the go and that works well for you lol ;)
Esta wrote: "Fantastic review Fede. I’m fascinated by the premise though it does sound a little deux ex machina-y? Appreciate your awesome review as always! Happy new year friend! 🥂"Thank you Esta! Don't mind my review too much I'm way outlier here lol. HNY 4u2 🥂🥂 !
I agree with you on the Heart and especially the Fall, my favorite. Both had psychological components, of guilt and of gloom. Is the heart really beating below the floor boards or is it in his head? The Pendulum is more conventional horror, if I can recall correctly, but still good. Great review Federico!
The Spanish Inquisition is such a dark time to read about to not like the book! Hope your next is better!
Dmitri wrote: "I agree with you on the Heart and especially the Fall, my favorite. Both had psychological components, of guilt and of gloom. Is the heart really beating below the floor boards or is it in his head..."Poe did deliver some awesome tales during his time, though most didn't age well lol. Thank you Dmitri!
Southern Lady Reads wrote: "The Spanish Inquisition is such a dark time to read about to not like the book! Hope your next is better!"Unsettling times :/. Thank you SLR!
Perhaps time to say peace out to Poe 🤷♀�
Heather Adores Books wrote: "Perhaps time to say peace out to Poe 🤷♀�"Gladly I finished all Poe's bibliography last year and never have to see the dude again. Just need to get rid of the reviews now lol.
"Discreta calificación", bué, no le gusto nada, Fede, jajaja. Espero que el año vaya lindo y que tenga un divertido finde.
A. wrote: ""Discreta calificación", bué, no le gusto nada, Fede, jajaja. Espero que el año vaya lindo y que tenga un divertido finde."Este Poe muchas veces apesta no le voy a mentir jaja. Igualmente para ud Lady A <3
