When William Came

by Saki Saki

Overview

When William Came by Saki (H.H. Munro) is a satirical novel that explores themes of war, occupation, and the absurdity of national pride. Set in an alternate history where Germany has successfully invaded and occupied Britain, the novel focuses on the lives of a few British citizens who must adapt to the new political reality. It critiques the complacency and absurdities of British society before the war, showing how quickly people can adjust to even the most radical changes when faced with overwhelming power. The characters in the story wrestle with the loss of personal freedoms, the imposition of foreign rule, and the collapse of social structures. Saki's characteristic wit shines through as he mocks both the British upper class and the German occupiers, exposing the pettiness and hypocrisy of those caught in the middle of such an upheaval. At its heart, the novel questions the fragility of national identity and the ease with which it can be altered by the forces of history and politics, all while highlighting the ironies and tragicomic aspects of war and occupation. Saki's sharp, often dark humor underscores the absurdity of the situation, leaving readers to reflect on the human cost of such upheaval.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789369077427
Publisher:	Double 9 Books
Publication date:	12/01/2024
Pages:	130
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.31(d)

About the Author

H.H. Munro (1870-1916), better known by his pen name Saki, was a British author and journalist, famous for his witty, darkly comic short stories and satirical works. Saki began his career as a journalist and gained popularity for his contributions to The Westminster Gazette and The Morning Post. Some of his notable works are - "The Open Window" (1914) that features a man tricked by a young girl in a twist of irony, "The Interlopers" (1919) portrays two feuding men trapped by nature, and "The Unbearable Bassington" (1912) satirizes a charming yet irresponsible aristocrat. Saki's works often feature themes of social class, the absurdity of societal conventions, and the consequences of indulgence or selfishness. His characters are typically witty and full of charm but reveal a lack of deeper morality or purpose. It focuses on the upper class, poking fun at their pretensions, laziness, and moral shortcomings, and challenging traditional notions of authority, propriety, and social decorum.