March 7 - "The Dream of Duncan Parrenness"

“The Dream of Duncan Parrenness”
by Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling’s Tales of Horror & Fantasy (2008)

* * * (Good) Supernatural

Duncan Parrenness recounts a troubling dream he has after a night of excessive drinking while in Calcutta, India, far from his home in London. In this dream he glimpses an older version of himself that asks of him but three simple things.

This was a rather strong introduction to Kipling. I’ll be honest in my reason for picking up Kipling – he was cited by author Neil Gaiman as an influence. I’m always curious at what has helped form the authors I so enjoy. Seeing that Gaiman had provided the introduction, seeing that this was a collection of short tales of horror and fantasy, seeing a sharp looking cover and heft to the collection, only further cemented the deal.

This story was very obviously written at a far different time from that of the present. There’s an interesting flow to the sentences – a length and rhythm you don’t find in stories nowadays. I only wish I knew what was meant by that “little piece of dry bread” in Parrenness’s hand at the end of the story. I’m sure it’s simply a reference I’m unfamiliar with, but it leaves the ending a bit unfinished for me. I’m actually very curious and excited to delve further into this collection, into some stories from over 100 years ago.