In the Wrong Paradise vs The house of souls: Which Should You Read?

In the Wrong Paradise Andrew Lang · 1886 ★★★★☆ 3.7 84 pages · ≈ 1 h 33 m · Challenging

The chief leading the way, I followed through the open entrance of the courtyard. The yard was very spacious, and under the dark shade of the trees I could see a light here and there in the windows of small huts along…

The house of souls Arthur Machen · 1906 176 pages · ≈ 3 h 16 m · Challenging

“EDWARD DARNELL awoke from a dream of an ancient wood, and of a clear well rising into grey film and vapour beneath a misty, glimmering heat; and as his eyes opened he saw the sunlight bright in the room, sparkling on the varnish of the new furniture.”

The mystical qualities of the first story are both rare and beautiful, and as a work of art alone it deserves to live. It is almost perfect--tender, true, intimate, and restrained.