Short Story Sunday: Obstinate Uncle Otis, Robert Arthur
Posted by kristipetersenschoonover
Obstinate Uncle Otis, Robert Arthur
I’ve written extensively about my relationship with this oddity about a man who gets hit by lightning and is suddenly emboldened with a power I’m pretty sure we all would like to have. It was originally published in Argosy Weekly in July 1941 and, thanks to some kind and passionate soul, can be read for free here: http://www.unz.org/Pub/ArgosyWeekly-1941jul19-00033?View=PDF
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Lately I’ve been working on the overwhelming task of thinning out my book collection; it’s something no book lover likes to do, but let’s face it, every once in a while it has to be done, either to clear clutter or make room for more.
It’s no surprise that a good portion of my collection is devoted to short story collections. I’ve read my share of great stories, and I’ve read my share of awful ones—but I’ve also read my share of a few that blew me away to the point at which I’ll never forget them. So instead of doing a typical “Top” list, I decided instead to focus on ones which fall into the last category (please note that in my “about” descriptions I tried to be spoiler-free). Do you have any that have made a lasting impression on you? Leave them in the comments.
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About kristipetersenschoonover
A ghost story writer who still sleeps with the lights on, Kristi Petersen Schoonover’s fiction has appeared in many magazines and anthologies; her traditionally published books include a short story collection, THE SHADOWS BEHIND. She was the recipient of three Norman Mailer Writers Colony Residencies and holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Goddard College. She serves as co-host of the DARK DISCUSSIONS podcast, as founding editor of the dark literary journal 34 ORCHARD, and is a member of both the New England Horror Writers and the Horror Writers Association. Follow her adventures at kristipetersenschoonover.com.Posted on April 12, 2015, in Short Stories and tagged "Obstinate Uncle Otis", Argosy, Robert Arthur, Science Fiction Short Stories, Twilight Zone, waiting for the other shoe to drop. Bookmark the permalink. 3 Comments.
Robert Arthur was my great uncle & this was the 1st story I read of his as a young boy.
Wow! I am so happy to meet you. I love and cherish this story (obviously). I’m speechless, actually…I feel honored and have no idea what to even say…
Did he ever tell you about the story and how he wrote it? Or was he a great uncle that you never got to know?