Shownotes
About this episode
Another live reading that hasn’t been heard on Substack before. Forgive the les than ideal sound quality. Saki, also known by his real name Hector Hugh Munro, was a British writer best known for his witty and satirical short stories. He was born on December 18, 1870, in Akyab, British Burma (now Myanmar), to a British colonial officer and his wife. Saki's mother died when he was only two years old, and he was sent to live with his aunts in England. Saki's childhood was marked by tragedy and loss. His father was killed by a tiger while on a hunting trip in India, and Saki was sent to live with his grandmother in England. He attended several boarding schools, but he was often rebellious and did not excel academically. He left school at the age of 16 and worked as a journalist and foreign correspondent for various newspapers. In 1900, Saki returned to England and began writing short stories. He adopted the pen name "Saki" after a character in the Rubáiyát of Omar Khayyám. His stories were often set in Edwardian England and featured dark humor and satire, poking fun at the upper class and their social conventions. Some of his most famous works include "The Open Window," "The Storyteller," and "The Interlopers." Saki's writing career was cut short by the outbreak of World War I. He enlisted in the army and served as a private in the 22nd Battalion of the Royal Fusiliers. He was killed in action on November 14, 1916, during the Battle of the Somme. Saki's legacy lives on through his witty and clever short stories, which continue to be read and studied today. His writing has influenced many other authors, including P.G. Wodehouse and Roald Dahl. Saki's work is also known for its use of irony and surprise endings, which have become hallmarks of the short story genre. In addition to his writing, Saki was also known for his eccentric and flamboyant personality. He was a member of the literary circle known as the "The Souls," which included other famous writers such as E.M. Forster and Virginia Woolf. Saki was also openly gay, which was uncommon and often frowned upon during his time. Despite his short life, Saki left a lasting impact on the literary world with his unique and satirical writing style. His stories continue to entertain and delight readers, making him one of the most beloved and influential short story writers of the 20th century. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit tonywalker.substack.com