Richard Voss, a German author popular in his day, is largely forgotten now. But these two novellas, Kentaurenliebe (Centaur Love) and Die Toteninsel (The Island of the Dead), prove some stories have a strange staying power.

The Story

Kentaurenliebe follows a young man in ancient Greece who becomes fixated on a stunningly lifelike statue of a centaur. His artistic admiration twists into a bizarre, romantic obsession that blurs the line between reality and myth, threatening to destroy him. Die Toteninsel shifts to a group of wealthy Romans on a yacht. Seeking adventure, they land on a beautiful, quiet island. The peace is an illusion. They soon discover the island is a sacred burial ground, and their trespass awakens a deep, ancient horror that challenges their modern sensibilities.

Why You Should Read It

What grabbed me was how these aren't dry history lessons. Voss uses antiquity as a backdrop to explore really human problems: forbidden desire, the madness of obsession, and our arrogance in the face of older, darker powers. The characters feel recognizable—driven by passions they can't control. The tension builds quietly but surely, and both stories deliver endings that stick with you.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who love a classic eerie vibe but want something off the beaten path. If you enjoy the psychological unease of Poe or the mythical weight of older fantasy, but in a compact package, you'll find a real gem here. It's a quick, atmospheric dive into a world where the past is never really past.