Vincent O’Sullivan 
When I Was Dead and other stories 

Vincent O’Sullivan’s ‘When I Was Dead and other stories’ is a collection of haunting and poignant short stories that delve into the complexities of human nature and relationships. O’Sullivan’s literary style is characterized by vivid imagery and rich character development, drawing readers into the lives of his diverse set of characters. Set against a backdrop of late 19th-century New Zealand, the stories explore themes of love, loss, and the supernatural, showcasing O’Sullivan’s mastery of the short story form in a literary context that is both unique and engaging. Vincent O’Sullivan, a renowned New Zealand author and poet, brings his deep understanding of human emotions and experiences to bear in ‘When I Was Dead and other stories’. His insightful exploration of the human psyche is evident in each carefully crafted tale, revealing O’Sullivan’s keen eye for detail and nuance. Drawing from his own life experiences and observations, O’Sullivan offers a collection of stories that are both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. I highly recommend ‘When I Was Dead and other stories’ to readers who appreciate well-crafted prose and compelling narratives. O’Sullivan’s collection is sure to captivate and leave a lasting impression on those who are drawn to stories that explore the depths of the human soul.

About the author

Vincent O’Sullivan (1868-1940) was an esteemed American-born writer, primarily recognized for his contribution to the genre of horror and supernatural fiction. A contemporary of Oscar Wilde and a figure within the aesthetic movement, O’Sullivan transitioned from the United States to Europe, where he found the milieu more conducive to his literary inclinations. His distinct narrative voice combines darkly gothic elements with a profound insight into the aberrations of the human psyche, a combination which is brilliantly showcased in his collection ‘When I Was Dead and other stories’. This compilation of tales, noted for its exploration of the macabre and the bizarre, encapsulates O’Sullivan’s penchant for blending the morbid with sardonic humor. O’Sullivan’s works maintain an enduring appeal to aficionados of horror literature, and his contributions to the genre have been acknowledged as precursors to the more modern psychological horror. His literary style meshes the ornate decadence of the late 19th century with a crispness of prose that anticipates the 20th century’s leanings towards brevity and ambiguity, making his work an intriguing bridge between literary epochs.