Witches' Loaves
Witches' Loaves
Book Brief
Beta4
Short Story • Fiction
New York City • Early 1900s
Adult
12-18 years
Super Short Summary
In "Witches' Loaves," a kind-hearted woman who owns a bakery takes a special interest in a reserved artist who frequently buys stale bread. Misunderstanding his intentions, she discreetly intervenes with unexpected results. The story explores themes of compassion and assumptions.
Humorous
Mysterious
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
146 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Witches' Loaves by O. Henry is appreciated for its clever twist and humorous take on human nature. The author’s hallmark surprise ending delights readers, showcasing his storytelling prowess. Some critique its brevity, feeling it limits character depth. Overall, it is praised for its wit and engaging plot, offering a charming, albeit brief, literary experience.
Who Should Read Witches' Loaves?
Readers who enjoy O. Henry's "Witches' Loaves" typically appreciate clever stories with ironic twists. Fans of The Gift of the Magi will likely find similar enjoyment. Those who favor Charles Dickens' character-driven tales, such as Great Expectations, may also appreciate the detailed character studies and surprise endings.
146 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Witches' Loaves showcases O. Henry's trademark twist ending, a signature style element that has endeared him to readers and solidified his place in American literature.
The story highlights themes of mistaken identity and irony, common motifs in O. Henry's works, that reflect the unpredictable nature of human interactions.
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O. Henry often set his stories in ordinary, everyday settings, such as the bakery in Witches' Loaves, to emphasize the extraordinary tales found within mundane lives.
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Short Story • Fiction
New York City • Early 1900s
Adult
12-18 years
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