Strange Stories

"Strange Stories" by Grant Allen is a compilation of tales that journey into the human psyche, interwoven with threads of scientific curiosity, set against the backdrop of the late 1800s. The book follows characters like Reverend John Creedy and Dr. Greatrex as they grapple with intricate moral and emotional questions. In one story, we meet Reverend John Creedy, an Oxford-educated man of African heritage who stirs considerable interest upon his return to an English village as he prepares for missionary work in Africa. His presence attracts Ethel Berry, a young woman whose connection with him sparks a complex look into race, identity, and love in a time of strict social norms. The narrative casts a stark light on Creedy's internal battle as he balances his African roots with his British upbringing, revealing the difficult road of interracial relationships in this era.