Much like Jekyl and Hyde, I had to reread this story because something about Stevenson's writing makes it easy for me to start skimming and not caring. But it's good that I went back and read it with patience. I picked up on the eerie atmosphere this time. The ending is questionable because I didn't get the impression this was supernatural until then, so I can see how it's "yeah right" or "whoa, nice twist" depending on how you squint. I can reimagine the story in a supernatural light just fine the second time, so it's easier to appreciate keeping in mind that no matter how secular it seems it's supernatural. Or you can ignore the twist and appreciate the story as an intriguing piece of historical fiction. ( )

Não são apenas os estudiosos da polícia brasileira que dizem: assassinar alguém é um evento traumático. Baseado em fatos reais de 1828, esse conto é a interessante história dos assistentes de um infame anatomista que comprava corpos fornecidos por dois criminosos. ( )

Robert Louis Stevenson takes an Edgar Allen Poe bent in this atmospheric short story. As the title suggests, this is the account of two medical students who are obtaining cadavers in an unscrupulous manner. I found myself quite wrapped up in the narrative and I liked the twist at the end.

************

After participating in a discussion group on this story, I have decided I looked at this story in far too simple a light. I have upgraded my rating from 3 to 4-stars. ( )

Endorsing evil
familiar faces ignored
until they return. ( )

THE BODY SNATCHERS wird einmal bezeichnet als "Der Leichenräuber" (Inhaltsverzeichnis, Innentitel) und einmal als "Die Leichendiebe" (Backcover). ( )