Sorrow in Sunlight (ePub)

Ronald Firbank (1886-1926) was an English novelist known for his distinctive, idiosyncratic literary style, characterized by its economy, wit, and a flair for high comedy. Born in London, Firbank was an aesthete, influenced deeply by the aesthetic movement and the works of Oscar Wilde. Firbank's narrative style often eschewed conventional plot and character development in favor of dialogue and social satire. He was a master of nuanced conversation, employing an economy of language that was both decorative and precise, which made his work profoundly distinctive in the modernist literary landscape. 'Sorrow in Sunlight' (also published as 'Prancing Nigger'), one of his notable works, showcases his talent for witty and satirical depiction of high society. Firbank's prose is marked by a unique rhythm, sometimes characterized as being musical in nature, reflecting his fascination with the sounds of words and the rhythm of speech. Despite his influence on other writers-Evelyn Waugh and W.H. Auden among them-Firbank's works have often lingered on the fringes of English literature, celebrated by a devoted coterie but overlooked in broader literary discourse. His novels, including the celebrated 'Valmouth' and 'The Flower Beneath the Foot', remain fascinating reads for their stylistic experimentation and their subtle undermining of contemporary mores. Firbank, whose career was marred by poor health, died young but left behind a uniquely flamboyant and original body of work.