Book Review of “After Twenty Years”
Did you ever experience a time when law came over loyalty? O. Henry, whose real name was William Sydney Porter, is famous for his short stories, which often feature ordinary characters, ironic twists, and surprise endings. His writing style combines clever storytelling and humor. “After Twenty Years” is a great example of his ability to surprise readers while also exploring deep themes.
In “After Twenty Years”, a policeman on night patrol on a quiet, dark street in New York City notices a man standing alone by a dark doorway. Curious, the officer stops to speak to him. The man, named Bob, then explains how he is waiting for an old friend, named Jimmy Wells, keeping a promise they made twenty years ago to meet back at the same restaurant twenty years later, no matter what. However, when a man approaches Bob and allegedly claims to be his Jimmy, things take a sharp turn.
Many elements that are used in “After Twenty Years” are exceptionally enjoyable, but the suspense and tension are what stand out the most. Throughout the story, O. Henry builds up the tension and mystery using suspenseful details. From the start, the setting gives the story a mysterious tone. The suspense increases once Bob explains how he has been waiting twenty years to reunite with his old friend, Jimmy Wells. The reader is then left wondering if Jimmy will show up. The conversation keeps the tension high, leaving the reader on the edge of their seat, not knowing what will happen next. The story also keeps the reader on the edge of their seats as Bob mentions the time repeatedly, such as when he says “Three minutes before ten,”. At the start, it was expected that Jimmy would arrive at the desired time, ten o’clock, but he did not arrive on time, which built up the suspense.
In addition to strong suspense, O. Henry also demonstrates vivid descriptiveness by using detailed imagery to create the atmosphere of the story. For instance, the story includes visual and tactile imagery to build the mysterious and suspenseful tone of the quiet New York street. O Henry applies visual imagery to describe the door as “the door of a darkened shop,” emphasizing how empty and shadowy the area is. Finally, he also uses tactile imagery when he describes the weather as “chilly” and the wind as “biting,” which makes the reader feel as if they are in the story. These sensory details add to the quiet tension in the scene, making the story even more engaging.
“After Twenty Years” is a compelling book to read. O. Henry’s use of suspense, vivid imagery, and a plot twist keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end. The story’s memorable end and well-crafted structure make it a meaningful read. I would recommend this story to teenagers aged 12-16 who enjoy classic literature, surprise endings, detailed descriptions, and plot twists. By reading this short story, they can explore the idea that sometimes doing the right thing doesn’t always feel like the easiest or most loyal choice.
Across multiple book review sites, “After Twenty Years” by O. Henry is praised for its suspenseful tone and surprising twist, and has a 3.9/5. Overall, I would give “After Twenty Years” a rating of ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5 stars) for its engaging plot, vivid descriptions, and lasting impact.