You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
Re-reading for the Deschutes Public Library Classics book discussion group.
Read 12?-19 Oct 2009. Quite good; I highly recommend it. “Widely regarded as the precursor of the modern mystery and suspense novels, ….”
http://marklindner.info/blog/2009/12/31/books-read-in-2009/
Read 12?-19 Oct 2009. Quite good; I highly recommend it. “Widely regarded as the precursor of the modern mystery and suspense novels, ….”
http://marklindner.info/blog/2009/12/31/books-read-in-2009/
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Although I got a little bogged down in the middle, I did like this book. Part of the problem is that Collins uses several narrators to tell the story. Some of the narrators I could easily enjoy and hear their voice, while others were either annoying or dull.
Although I got a little bogged down in the middle, I did like this book. Part of the problem is that Collins uses several narrators to tell the story. Some of the narrators I could easily enjoy and hear their voice, while others were either annoying or dull.
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
3.5, but I'll give it 4 for being one of the first of its kind.
This book grew on me. It's written in parts, with different narrators, and near the end of narrator one and the beginning of narrator two I was quite annoyed with their voices as reflections of different classes of people at the time. However, I eventually got over it and enjoyed the mystery. It was unconventional and I'm still not sure how I actually feel about the solution, but the puzzle pieces were there to make a certain kind of sense.
This book grew on me. It's written in parts, with different narrators, and near the end of narrator one and the beginning of narrator two I was quite annoyed with their voices as reflections of different classes of people at the time. However, I eventually got over it and enjoyed the mystery. It was unconventional and I'm still not sure how I actually feel about the solution, but the puzzle pieces were there to make a certain kind of sense.
It took a while to get into, but it didn't disappointment, especially as a classic sensation novel. Stolen jewels! Mysterious Indians! Opium fiends! Peculiar doctor's assistants with shady pasts! Love a bit of Wilkie. I thought the multiple narrative voices worked well and there were some excellent characters. Best of all, the speculation the reader can indulge in about the things that are not explained in the story, like what the hell is wrong with Ezra Jennings?
Reading again for a library book club discussion.
// After reading it a second time (something I hardly ever do with books), I still enjoyed it as much or even more than the first time. Betteredge is one of the best characters ever written, and the similarities to today in stereotypes, prejudices, and confusions is remarkable. I love the way Wilkie Collins handled the different voices of characters, but keep in mind this is pulp fiction for its time -- and delightful pulp fiction at that!
// After reading it a second time (something I hardly ever do with books), I still enjoyed it as much or even more than the first time. Betteredge is one of the best characters ever written, and the similarities to today in stereotypes, prejudices, and confusions is remarkable. I love the way Wilkie Collins handled the different voices of characters, but keep in mind this is pulp fiction for its time -- and delightful pulp fiction at that!
This book has taught me one important fact. All wisdom can be gleaned from Robinson Crusoe. I will have to look into a procuring a copy immediately.