This was my first encounter with Ambrose Bierce, an author I hadn’t heard of before. I came across the story because I had read good things about it, and I’m glad I gave it a chance. It turned out to be a surprisingly powerful and memorable read.

„Set during the American Civil War, this is the story of Peyton Farquhar, a Confederate sympathizer condemned to death by hanging from Owl Creek Bridge. This story has been hailed as an early pioneer in “stream of consciousness” storytelling.“

Blurb

Right from the beginning, the atmosphere grabbed me. There’s a creeping sense of dread and tension that builds quickly, and I found myself trying to piece together what exactly was going on. While the situation becomes clear fairly soon, the way it’s written still managed to keep me on edge. The prose is concise but vivid, and I found it very comfortable to read.

What follows is, as hinted in the blurb, something like a stream of consciousness. We dive deep into the protagonist’s mind, following his thoughts, memories, and perceptions. It all feels very real and immersive, and you start to believe the story is heading in a certain direction. But then: A Twist. That one at the end honestly blew my mind. It’s the kind of ending that makes you want to reread the story.

I really enjoyed being inside the protagonist’s head, and the detailed, sensory descriptions made everything feel immediate and intense. For such a short story, it was really great.

All in all, I’d give it a solid 4 stars. It’s a great example of how short fiction can still deliver depth, atmosphere, and a twist that stays with you. Definitely worth a read.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️