The Glass That Laughed Electric Literature Recommended Reading 289: A Mesmerizing Tale of Hope and Desperation

Are you a lover of captivating and thought-provoking literature? Do you enjoy immersing yourself in narratives that transport you to new realms of imagination? Then you simply cannot afford to miss out on "The Glass That Laughed Electric," an absolute gem featured in Electric Literature's Recommended Reading 289.

Written by a master storyteller, this mesmerizing tale delves deep into the realms of hope and desperation, leaving readers astounded and craving for more. In this article, we will explore the captivating world of "The Glass That Laughed Electric" and delve into its profound themes and undeniable literary brilliance.

The story unfolds in a dystopian future where technological advancements have drastically altered the course of human experiences. It follows the journey of a young protagonist, Alice, who finds herself trapped in a society governed by emotionless machines and a bleak existence.

The Glass That Laughed (Electric Literature's Recommended Reading Book 289)

by Dashiell Hammett(Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1030 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	17 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

Within the first few pages, the author seamlessly engrosses readers in Alice's world, painting vivid images of a desolate landscape tainted by the remnants of an annihilated civilization. As Alice navigates the ruins, she stumbles upon a peculiar glass object that emits an eerie laughter. This serendipitous encounter becomes the catalyst for a profound transformation in Alice's life.

The glass possesses a mysterious power to trap and mirror emotions, a stark contrast to the emotionless nature of the society Alice finds herself in. As Alice cautiously experiments with the glass, she discovers an unimaginable escape from the bleakness of her reality. The glass becomes her refuge, a portal to a realm where emotions hold sway and hope still flickers.

The author's skillful storytelling effortlessly exposes the raw emotions that underpin Alice's journey. We witness her vulnerability, her desperation for connection, and her yearning for a world brimming with life's highs and lows. In a society stripped of emotion, Alice's exploration of the glass's power becomes an act of rebellion, a means to reclaim her humanity.

Throughout the narrative, the author brilliantly interweaves themes of love, loss, and the resilience of the human spirit. As readers accompany Alice on her emotional rollercoaster, they are forced to confront their own conceptions of what it means to truly be alive. "The Glass That Laughed Electric" serves as a powerful reminder of the value of emotions and the vital role they play in shaping our existence.

Beyond its thematic depth, the prose in "The Glass That Laughed Electric" captivates the reader with its languid yet tantalizing rhythm. The author's ability to blend poetic language with sharp narrative edges results in a text that is both engaging and profoundly evocative. Each sentence seems perfectly crafted, drawing the reader deeper and deeper into the story's enigmatic world.

Furthermore, the narrative structure itself is an exquisite work of art. The story oscillates seamlessly between Alice's internal monologues and her physical journey through the desolate landscapes. This juxtaposition adds layers of complexity and intensifies the emotional impact, leaving readers yearning for resolution.

A testament to its literary prowess, "The Glass That Laughed Electric" was handpicked for inclusion in Electric Literature's Recommended Reading 289, a curated selection of exceptional literary works. This accolade alone speaks volumes about the story's unique ability to captivate and connect with readers on a profound level.

, if you seek a literary experience that pushes boundaries and challenges your perception of reality, "The Glass That Laughed Electric" is the perfect choice. With its mesmerizing narrative, profound themes, and exquisite prose, this extraordinary tale will leave you enthralled, haunted, and craving for more. Dive into its pages, savor every word, and let it transport you to a world where hope and desperation dance in perfect harmony.

The Glass That Laughed (Electric Literature's Recommended Reading Book 289)

by Dashiell Hammett(Kindle Edition)

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1030 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	17 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

"In September 2017 Hammett’s granddaughter, Julie Rivett, co-editor with me on The Big Book of the Continental Op, sent an email saying she had just read a notice on the Dashiell Hammett Reading Group Facebook page posted by Kevin Burton Smith, founder of The Thrilling Detective Web Site, stating that an unnamed fan had come across a previously unrecorded story by Hammett in True Police Stories. The title, “The Glass That Laughed,” and the magazine were unfamiliar to us. Julie asked Kevin to put us in contact with his correspondent. The next day I received a call from Daniel Robinson, a fireman and author, who agreed to sell me the November 1925 issue of True Police Stories, a short-lived magazine published monthly from May 1924 to April 1926 “under the auspices of the International Police Conference” as an “organ of the New York Police Department.” Three days later the package arrived. It was Hammett all right." - Richard Layman

About the Author: Dashiell Hammett was born in St. Mary’s County, Maryland, and grew up in Baltimore. Hammett left school at the age of fourteen and held a variety of jobs thereafter — messenger boy, newsboy, clerk, operator, and stevedore, finally becoming an operative for Pinkerton’s Detective Agency. He served as a sergeant in the Army in World War I and World War II. In the late 1920s Hammett became the unquestioned master of hard-boiled detective fiction in America. In The Maltese Falcon (1930) he first introduced his famous private eye, Sam Spade. The Thin Man (1934) offered another immortal sleuth, Nick Charles. Red Harvest (1929),The Dain Curse (1929),and The Glass Key (1931) are among his most celebrated novels.

About the Publisher: Electric Literature is an independent publisher amplifying the power of storytelling through digital innovation. Electric Literature’s weekly fiction magazine, Recommended Reading, invites established authors, indie presses, and literary magazines to recommended great fiction. Once a month we feature our own recommendation of original, previously unpublished fiction. Recommended Reading is supported by the Amazon Literary Partnership, the New York State Council on the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts. For other links from Electric Literature, follow us, or sign up for our eNewsletter.