Among the Shadows: Tales from the Darker Side

Christy Conte is a business analyst and entrepreneur in Ajax, Ontario.

It is hard to say, exactly, for whom this collection of stories is
ideally suited. One can imagine wide-eyed children of the author’s era
eagerly devouring these tales of drunkards and thieves, ghosts and
murderers, or perhaps someone’s maiden aunt, hand clasped over mouth,
turning each page out of some morbid curiosity. But would today’s
little Ashley, world-wise and street-proofed, be as impressed? Maybe;
maybe not.

Nevertheless, this collection will surely intrigue Montgomery fans, of
which there are many. Wilmhurst has brought together 19 stories
illustrating the darker side of Canada’s favorite author. Written
between 1897 and 1935, these previously unpublished tales portray a
world contemporary readers do not often see. Good is always rewarded
here, and evil punished. Montgomery’s characters, despite their
frailties, are depicted with sensitivity and compassion. Min Palmer,
“the worst woman in Rykman’s Corner—or out of it,” is allowed
forgiveness as she dies in the preacher’s arms. Embezzler John
Churchill is given a new raison d’кtre through his small son’s
loyal heart. Love conquers all in Montgomery’s world: lovers cross
oceans, time, and even the line between life and death to be
together.Although poetic justice always prevails here, there are some
surprise endings.

Part of the anachronistic charm of these tales is their language. Where
but in a Montgomery story would a man declare to his betrothed that “I
need no ointment on my eyes to make me love you—you carry your philtre
in that elfin little face of yours,” or a woman implore a small girl,
“come talk to me for I know not what to do with my lone self today”?

Overall, this collection is well written, though dated in its mildness
(which is our failing, not Montgomery’s). It reflects a gentler age.
Montgomery’s ghosts and ne’er-do-wells are menacing, but not nearly
as horrible as anything Steven King might dream up. Consider these, if
you will, dark tales for a sunny day.