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Kimber Silver's Reviews > The Birds and Other Stories
The Birds and Other Stories
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Kimber Silver's review
bookshelves: cautionary-tale, classic, delicious-writing, england, hope, horror, longing, loss, magical-realism, short-stories, gothic-suspense
Oct 13, 2025
bookshelves: cautionary-tale, classic, delicious-writing, england, hope, horror, longing, loss, magical-realism, short-stories, gothic-suspense
"I have a theory that each man's life is like a pack of cards, and those we meet and sometimes love are shuffled with us."
Daphne du Maurier is one of my favorite authors. Her writing grips me so completely that I find myself holding my breath without realizing it.
I stepped into her world of short stories with some trepidation, knowing that crafting a truly great short story is no easy feat. But du Maurier proves, once again, that whether the canvas is broad or brief, she reigns supreme as the queen of gothic suspense.
The Birds
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nat Hocken tends a farm in the south of England. Scarred by war, he builds a life of quiet routine. But this December there is change in the air. The birds gather, shriek, and swirl with a terrible purpose. Nat senses it: nature is no longer passive. It has a plan.
Du Maurier's tale inspired Hitchcock, but hers is the more haunting vision. Spare, brutal, and unforgettable. Readers beware; this story doesn't just unsettle, it lingers…
Monte Verità
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A nameless narrator leads us on a breathtaking climb, both literal and emotional, as he and his closest friend Victor navigate a lifetime of profound love, aching loss, and the haunting allure of a mountain keep that defies entry and explanation. It's a place that holds the secrets of the universe, and perhaps something more...
If you read just one story from this collection, make it Monte Verità.
The Apple Tree
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This story blends gothic atmosphere with a touch of magical realism. It's eerie, clever, and oddly satisfying. I didn't expect to cheer for nature — but I did.
Apple tart, anyone? 😉
The Little Photographer
⭐️⭐️⭐️
On holiday with her children, the Marquise longs for escape from the heat and monotony. Enter a local photographer who is attentive and all too eager to capture their most intimate moments. But as he begins to wedge himself into her life, the thrill of novelty gives way to something darker. Sometimes, boredom is safer than what waits beyond it.
Kiss Me Again, Stranger
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Our unnamed narrator has everything he needs — a steady job, a warm bed, and a life without surprises. Then a redhead with a look that could start a fire drops into his life. Is she his happily-ever-after or a beautiful disaster? Either way, he’s toast.
The Old Man
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The final story in this collection is a masterstroke! I’ll leave it at that.
Bravo!
Daphne du Maurier is one of my favorite authors. Her writing grips me so completely that I find myself holding my breath without realizing it.
I stepped into her world of short stories with some trepidation, knowing that crafting a truly great short story is no easy feat. But du Maurier proves, once again, that whether the canvas is broad or brief, she reigns supreme as the queen of gothic suspense.
The Birds
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Nat Hocken tends a farm in the south of England. Scarred by war, he builds a life of quiet routine. But this December there is change in the air. The birds gather, shriek, and swirl with a terrible purpose. Nat senses it: nature is no longer passive. It has a plan.
Du Maurier's tale inspired Hitchcock, but hers is the more haunting vision. Spare, brutal, and unforgettable. Readers beware; this story doesn't just unsettle, it lingers…
Monte Verità
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A nameless narrator leads us on a breathtaking climb, both literal and emotional, as he and his closest friend Victor navigate a lifetime of profound love, aching loss, and the haunting allure of a mountain keep that defies entry and explanation. It's a place that holds the secrets of the universe, and perhaps something more...
If you read just one story from this collection, make it Monte Verità.
The Apple Tree
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This story blends gothic atmosphere with a touch of magical realism. It's eerie, clever, and oddly satisfying. I didn't expect to cheer for nature — but I did.
Apple tart, anyone? 😉
The Little Photographer
⭐️⭐️⭐️
On holiday with her children, the Marquise longs for escape from the heat and monotony. Enter a local photographer who is attentive and all too eager to capture their most intimate moments. But as he begins to wedge himself into her life, the thrill of novelty gives way to something darker. Sometimes, boredom is safer than what waits beyond it.
Kiss Me Again, Stranger
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Our unnamed narrator has everything he needs — a steady job, a warm bed, and a life without surprises. Then a redhead with a look that could start a fire drops into his life. Is she his happily-ever-after or a beautiful disaster? Either way, he’s toast.
The Old Man
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The final story in this collection is a masterstroke! I’ll leave it at that.
Bravo!
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Reading Progress
September 27, 2025
–
Started Reading
September 27, 2025
– Shelved
September 29, 2025
–
46.0%
October 4, 2025
–
68.0%
October 5, 2025
–
80.0%
October 8, 2025
–
90.0%
October 10, 2025
–
98.0%
October 13, 2025
– Shelved as:
cautionary-tale
October 13, 2025
– Shelved as:
classic
October 13, 2025
– Shelved as:
delicious-writing
October 13, 2025
– Shelved as:
england
October 13, 2025
– Shelved as:
horror
October 13, 2025
– Shelved as:
hope
October 13, 2025
– Shelved as:
loss
October 13, 2025
– Shelved as:
longing
October 13, 2025
– Shelved as:
magical-realism
October 13, 2025
– Shelved as:
short-stories
October 13, 2025
– Shelved as:
gothic-suspense
October 13, 2025
–
Finished Reading
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Diane
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Oct 13, 2025 04:43AM
Another terrific review, Kimber! ;)
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Fantastic review, Kimber. I have owned a collection of her short stories forever- time to open up that book, I think!
Daphne is the real McCoy ! So amazing that you take to her !
A beautifully crafted review and an intriguing selection of short stories, Kimber!
Terrific review Kimber, I love how you broke it down!
Lovely review, Kimber. My mom rereads du Maurier over and over. 🤗💕
Diane wrote: "Another terrific review, Kimber! ;)"Thank you very much, Diane! : )
Maureen wrote: "Wonderful review Kimber!"Thanks so much, Maureen! : )
Antoinette wrote: "Fantastic review, Kimber. I have owned a collection of her short stories forever- time to open up that book, I think!"Thank you very much, Antoinette! I know you'll love her short stories. Du Maurier was a very talented writer! : )
Brilliant review, Kimber. Always love to see 5 stars for a du Maurier novel!
Jaidee wrote: "Daphne is the real McCoy ! So amazing that you take to her !"Indeed, she was, Jaidee! : )
Kevin wrote: "A beautifully crafted review and an intriguing selection of short stories, Kimber!"Thank you kindly, Kevin! These stories were splendid. : )
Canadian Jen wrote: "Nice review, Kimber!"Thanks so much, Jen! : )
Karen wrote: "Terrific review Kimber, I love how you broke it down!"Thank you very much, Karen! This collection was fantastic! : )
Shelley's Book Nook wrote: "Lovely review, Kimber. My mom rereads du Maurier over and over. 🤗💕"I appreciate your kind comment, Shelley! As a big fan of du Maurier, I understand the allure of returning to the worlds she created. ; )
Jonas wrote: "Brilliant review, Kimber. Always love to see 5 stars for a du Maurier novel!"Thank you so much, Jonas! I think you would enjoy this collection. : )
Fantastic review, Kimber!
Debra wrote: "Fantastic review, Kimber!"Thank you very much, Debra! : )
Kimber, what an enticing review! I need to read these stories by the Queen of gothic suspense.
Laysee wrote: "Kimber, what an enticing review! I need to read these stories by the Queen of gothic suspense."Thank you so much, Laysee! I enjoyed them even more than I had imagined. I hope you get a chance to read them! : )
Thanks for your empathic review, Kimber. The real horror in THE BIRDS is that there is no reason behind the horror.
Thank you for your comment, Julio! I agree that the absence of motive makes the terror in The Birds feel so primal and unsettling. It’s not just fear of the birds — it’s fear of the unknown.
A beautiful review, Kimber. I must read more of her works as I too find myself in du Maurier’s magical grip.
She is really a masterful writer!
These sound like incredible stories. A fantastic review dear Kimber 🌟
Hello Kimber! This book sounds really interesting. I’m guessing you’ve read it what did you think of it?
Such a lovely review Kimber. Your five stars say it all, as well! Thank you. BTW, I posted a recent review that I thought you would want to see...I hope you enjoy something I shared within it! https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... Hugs! 🤗
Lorna wrote: "A beautiful review, Kimber. I must read more of her works as I too find myself in du Maurier’s magical grip."Thank you, Lorna! Du Maurier was truly special, and I'm glad you enjoy her work too!
Sara wrote: "She is really a masterful writer!"Indeed, Sara! : )
Tina wrote: "These sound like incredible stories. A fantastic review dear Kimber 🌟"They were truly captivating. Thank you so much, dear lady! : )
I enjoyed it very much, Conrad.
Karen wrote: "Such a lovely review Kimber. Your five stars say it all, as well! Thank you. BTW, I posted a recent review that I thought you would want to see...I hope you enjoy something I shared within it! http..."Thank you for your kind comment, Karen! : ) What did you share? I'm sure it was something wonderful, so I'll thank you in advance.💜
What an enticing review Kimber! Who wudda thunk this author inspired Hitchcock's, Birds? As a self-confessed ornithophobe (on steroids 😬😬) - I am keen to read that story in particulular, the others sound good too!!! Added, Nice one 🤗🎈
Mark wrote: "What an enticing review Kimber! Who wudda thunk this author inspired Hitchcock's, Birds? As a self-confessed ornithophobe (on steroids 😬😬) - I am keen to read that story in particulular, the others..."Thank you so much, Mark! I was surprised by that revelation myself. I hope you enjoy this collection as much as I did.🐦
I still need to read one of her books! I had no idea she inspired the Birds...love Hitchcock! 👏 All of these stories sound intriguing...terrific review, Kimber! :)
I had a feeling du Maurier was a favorite author for you, Kimber. Still remember you reviewing Rebecca. Good review, and is it possible she wrote even better short stories?!
Catherine wrote: "I still need to read one of her books! I had no idea she inspired the Birds...love Hitchcock! 👏 All of these stories sound intriguing...terrific review, Kimber! :)"I was surprised that she wrote The Birds, although it was very different from the film. Hitchcock's films are brilliant! Thank you so much, Catherine! : )
Ron wrote: "I had a feeling du Maurier was a favorite author for you, Kimber. Still remember you reviewing Rebecca. Good review, and is it possible she wrote even better short stories?!"She had an incredible talent for storytelling, and I was captivated by this collection. Thank you for your kind comment, Ron!
Wonderful review, Kimber! I didn't realize her short story inspired Hitchcock's movie (which I love). These stories sound so intriguing! 💗
Kat wrote: "Wonderful review, Kimber! I didn't realize her short story inspired Hitchcock's movie (which I love). These stories sound so intriguing! 💗"Thank you so much, Kat! This collection of suspenseful stories was terrific. I'm discovering that Daphne du Maurier’s body of work is much more extensive than I had realized.
You’ve made these stories sound irresistible - gothic suspense at its finest. I’m bookmarking this for a rainy weekend read.
Taufiq wrote: "You’ve made these stories sound irresistible - gothic suspense at its finest. I’m bookmarking this for a rainy weekend read."These stories are truly splendid and will be perfect for a rainy weekend. Thank you for your kind comment, Taufiq! : )
Kimber, you communicated beautifully how special these are, and I’m so glad you enjoyed them. She really did reign supreme in these. I agree that Monte Verità is a remarkable stand-alone, and that her Birds version is more haunting than Hitchcock’s, but your summaries of all the others reminds me how fun these all were, and you’re making me wanting to read them again…
Jennifer wrote: "Kimber, you communicated beautifully how special these are, and I’m so glad you enjoyed them. She really did reign supreme in these. I agree that Monte Verità is a remarkable stand-alone, and that ..."Thank you for your kind comment, Jennifer! I really appreciated your recommendation of Monte Verità; I loved it. The story in The Birds was completely different from the film version, and it was indeed very haunting. I think these stories would be worth a second read. : )
Kimber, I know you love du Maurier and I remember reading your review of Rebecca. This review was a brilliant insight into this book of short stories.
Peter wrote: "Kimber, I know you love du Maurier and I remember reading your review of Rebecca. This review was a brilliant insight into this book of short stories."I am a big fan of du Maurier. Thank you for your thoughtful comment, Peter! : )
Kimber...Stellar review as always! Totally enjoyable!
Fran wrote: "Kimber...Stellar review as always! Totally enjoyable!"Thank you so much, Fran! I was delighted by this collection. Next up in my du Maurier journey is Frenchman's Creek.
