Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
Good for its time, but ultimately the style of writing is not my cup of tea.
A great January-read. A perfect book for long, dark, cold nights and the (many) snowy snow days of January 2011.
Considered to be one of the first mysteries ever written, Moonstone is an interesting tale told through several different character's perspectives. To be fair, I tend to love books that are told from multiple points of view since it makes the story more interesting to see how different people perceive the actions. Written in 1868, some of the characters and prejudices are quite dated and seem a bit silly now. Overall though, the theft and search for the title object was an interesting character study full of red herrings.
The Moonstone is credited with being one of (if not the) first detective mystery novels, and I wanted to read it because another book I plan to read references it.
I liked it. It is the proverbial English country house mystery. Nice little dead ends, twists and fun stuff. Unlikely (and likely) suspects, a little of the paranormal-ish... I think it was the first to really feature a twist at the end, but nowadays we're so used to twists, it wasn't one to me (seriously, it was easy to figure out, but fun).
The story is a little long. It takes place through several narrators, from the house-manager to the aristocratic guest, the lady's religious niece, the opium addicted doctor, and the retired, rose-growing detective.
There is not a lot of overlap in the narratives, and the narratives follow the story chronologically, making them a wee bit less tedious than if we had to read about the same event from 5 viewpoints. There's a lot of thought, introspection, distractions, and human frailties in the narratives that make them interesting.
I also think it has held up well over time. Not bad. I'd recommend it to anyone that likes to read these kinds of novels or even watch these kinds of movies/shows.
I liked it. It is the proverbial English country house mystery. Nice little dead ends, twists and fun stuff. Unlikely (and likely) suspects, a little of the paranormal-ish... I think it was the first to really feature a twist at the end, but nowadays we're so used to twists, it wasn't one to me (seriously, it was easy to figure out, but fun).
The story is a little long. It takes place through several narrators, from the house-manager to the aristocratic guest, the lady's religious niece, the opium addicted doctor, and the retired, rose-growing detective.
There is not a lot of overlap in the narratives, and the narratives follow the story chronologically, making them a wee bit less tedious than if we had to read about the same event from 5 viewpoints. There's a lot of thought, introspection, distractions, and human frailties in the narratives that make them interesting.
I also think it has held up well over time. Not bad. I'd recommend it to anyone that likes to read these kinds of novels or even watch these kinds of movies/shows.
An interesting mystery, I was satisfied by the ending. I especially liked the tale when told from the butler’s perspective. I’d recommend it to anyone who enjoys classical, Victorian era novels.
I listened to the audio version of the book, which worked perfectly for the format of the story. Each section was told from the perspective of a different character (and voiced by a different person) to build unfold the mystery following the theft of the Moonstone, and mystic jewel brought to England from India that supposedly dooms anyone who takes possession of it.
As with other novels by Collins, he takes his time and fully develops his characters and the minute details of events throughout the story, allowing the reader to become wrapped up in the flow of the mystery. He creates memorable characters that are engaging and help create a lively story with multiple perspectives.
As with other novels by Collins, he takes his time and fully develops his characters and the minute details of events throughout the story, allowing the reader to become wrapped up in the flow of the mystery. He creates memorable characters that are engaging and help create a lively story with multiple perspectives.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Religious bigotry, Colonisation
I got to read this book for my book club.
At first I was afraid that I might have difficulties with the language as it was written in 1871 (if I remember well). Surprisingly, although it was a long book, it was quite easy to read. I enjoyed the different testimonies offered by witnesses of the story. I particularly enjoyed Gabriel Betteredge's recital and his constant reference to Robinson Crusoe.
The book also allowed small glimps on how patients were treated in those times and the use of opium as a common remedy.
Wilkie Collins owns strong descriptive skills and offers beautiful imagery throughout the book.
I enjoyed this book tremendously. What a deight!
At first I was afraid that I might have difficulties with the language as it was written in 1871 (if I remember well). Surprisingly, although it was a long book, it was quite easy to read. I enjoyed the different testimonies offered by witnesses of the story. I particularly enjoyed Gabriel Betteredge's recital and his constant reference to Robinson Crusoe.
The book also allowed small glimps on how patients were treated in those times and the use of opium as a common remedy.
Wilkie Collins owns strong descriptive skills and offers beautiful imagery throughout the book.
I enjoyed this book tremendously. What a deight!
Wilkie Collins was a contemporary and good friend of Charles Dickens. By this point in my life I've read several of Dickens' novels and while I found them to be good stories, I also found them very slow going. I find Collins to be much more my speed. The Moonstone is actually a page-turner. A genuine literary, Victorian page-turner. Often called the first mystery story, The Moonstone is denser and longer than most mysteries written nowadays, but it brings an almost nonstop senses of tension and urgency and doom which makes it feel shorter and lighter than it actually is. As a result, it sets the bar high for all the countless mystery stories that succeed it. The mystery of who stole the ancient, priceless, curse-laden yellow diamond known as The Moonstone is complex, convoluted, and ultimately very satisfying. The book features curses, family secrets, betrayals, love, action, and adventure. What more could a good book provide? The solution to the mystery is sensational but entirely plausible. The red herrings are many and the clues are cleverly spread out. I wasn't able to figure it out, but I enjoyed watching it unfold layer by layer through Collins' stealthy hand.