The Romancers

H.H. Munro, better known by the pen name Saki, was a prolific Scottish author of the Edwardian era, considered as the master of short stories and compared to O Henry and Dorothy Parker. He is best known for his witty, sometimes whimsical, often cynical and bizarre short stories – his works is the attempt to satirize the social pretension, unkindness, and stupidity through the flippant wit and acerbic humor.
 “The Romancers” is a short story, narrated about a professional beggar who tried to tell his fake miserable experience to Morton Crosby in order to arouse sympathy in the latter, and eventually get money from him. However, Crosby was too intelligent to believe the beggar’s story. Instead of exposing him directly, Crosby made up an even more ridiculous story. In the end, the beggar failed to cheat Crosby of his money. The author depicts the portrait of beggar, which is indeed a caricature of society.
As well as other Saki’s stories, this one is characterized by pithiness and black humor. All characters make the reader laugh, so you will certainly enjoy reading it!