The Wrong Shape by G.K. Chesterton, 1910
The magic trick:
Using racist stereotypes of its times as part of the mystery
Father Brown is back on the case today for a mystery that quickly throws us into a series of racist stereotypes typical of the British Empire circa 1910. This might have to go in the “its politics have aged so poorly as to not even be readable anymore” pile.
Then again… give it a few more pages. The racist stereotypes turn out to be part of the mystery’s feint. Perhaps it’s more self-aware than at first seemed.
And that’s quite a trick on Chesterton’s part.
The selection:
“No, but look here, old chap,” said the youth in the red tie, trying affectionately to capture the doctor by the lapels of his coat. “Look here. I’m simply sewn up, I tell you. I—”
“It’s no good, Mr. Atkinson,” said the doctor, forcing him to fall back. “When you can alter the effects of a drug I’ll alter my decision,” and settling on his hat he stepped out into the sunlight with the other two. He was a bull-necked, good-tempered little man with a small mustache, inexpressibly ordinary, yet giving an impression of capacity.
The young man in the billycock, who did not seem to be gifted with any tact in dealing with people beyond the general idea of clutching hold of their coats, stood outside the door as dazed as if he had been thrown out bodily, and silently watched the other three walk away together through the garden.
As always, join the conversation in the comments section below, on SSMT Facebook or on Twitter @ShortStoryMT.
Subscribe to the Short Story Magic Tricks Monthly Newsletter to get the latest short story news, contests and fun.
Short Story Magic Tricks 