Forgotten Dreams by Stefan Zweig —- Review

"Forgotten Dreams" by Stefan Zweig is a masterfully crafted gem of psychological insight that delves deep into the quiet tragedies of choice and self-deception. Set against a backdrop of shimmering, almost oppressive beauty, the story uses the contrast between the luxurious villa and the stark conversation within it to explore the gap between illusion and reality. 

Zweig's signature precision is evident in every detail, from the calculated elegance of the heroine to the symbolic key that unlocks not a door, but a buried truth. The plot's power lies not in dramatic action, but in the devastating weight of a single, quiet admission: the revelation that the protagonist's seemingly romantic youthful dreams were, in fact, mercenary desires for material splendor. This moment of confession becomes a profound exploration of identity, asking whether we are shaped by our ideals or by our most concealed, and perhaps less noble, longings.

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://www.prosperosisle.org/spip.php?article1186

"A Woman without Prejudice" by Anton Chekhov — Review

Chekhov’s “A Woman without Prejudice” is a masterfully ironic study of social anxiety and the absurdity of self-imposed shame. The story follows the hulking, seemingly invincible Maxim Salyutov, a man of extraordinary physical strength who is utterly crippled by the fear that his modest, non-noble past—specifically, having worked as a circus performer—will disgust his beloved Elena (Lelya) and ruin his marriage prospects. 

The central comedy and pathos arise from the drastic disconnect between Salyutov’s towering physique and his shriveled sense of self-worth, a contradiction Chekhov highlights with surgical precision. Salyutov’s torment, fueled by a blackmailing “friend,” portrays the psychological tyranny of imagined social judgment, revealing how internalized class prejudices can be more destructive than any external rejection.

Here is the link to the text of the story:
https://www.prosperosisle.org/spip.php?article1157#Woman

The Seventh Voyage by Stanisław Lem — Review

"The Seventh Voyage" is a funny and clever story about a space traveler named Ijon Tichy. He gets stuck in a weird time loop during a space mission. Strange things start happening, like meeting multiple versions of himself from different moments in time. The story shows him trying to fix his broken ship while dealing with these confusing doubles, leading to chaotic and hilarious situations. It’s not really about aliens or lasers; it’s a puzzle about time, identity, and how messy reality can become.

The charm of the story is in how Lem uses this silly situation to make you think. Even though the events are absurd, they make you wonder about bigger ideas. If you met yourself, would you agree? Who is really in charge? The story feels like a playful brain game.

Here is the link to the text of the story:

https://english.lem.pl/works/novels/the-star-diaries/154-the-seventh-voyage