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beledit's review
4.0
Although a vicious crime lies at the heart of this story, it is less sensational than some other Braddon novels. I enjoyed it none the less for this. There's an amoral French dancer, bigamy and crime, treachery and envy (trying to avoid spoilers). But essentially the novel is about marriage. Bad marriages entered into lightly with unsuitable partners, which quickly turn sour and become a misery for all involved, and end in disaster. Contrasted with solid marriages based on mutual interests and values, a similar social background, trust and loyalty.
The one thing I don't understand is the title, The Cloven Foot. It is clearly a reference to the devil. But if it is, is it purely a sensationalist title to sell more books? I can't see that any of the characters are being presented as devilish. Greedy, cheating and violent, yes, but not pure evil as one might associate with the devil.
The Dictionary of Phrase and Fable defines "To show the cloven foot, i.e. to show a knavish intention, a base motive." In this light, it's more understandable, as the possible - and possibly base - motives of at least three characters are explored.
The one thing I don't understand is the title, The Cloven Foot. It is clearly a reference to the devil. But if it is, is it purely a sensationalist title to sell more books? I can't see that any of the characters are being presented as devilish. Greedy, cheating and violent, yes, but not pure evil as one might associate with the devil.
The Dictionary of Phrase and Fable defines "To show the cloven foot, i.e. to show a knavish intention, a base motive." In this light, it's more understandable, as the possible - and possibly base - motives of at least three characters are explored.
pgchuis's review against another edition
4.0
As per the blurb, there were many, many typos, errors and a couple of places where the text was out of order. At times it was hard to work out what a particular sentence should actually have said. With the benefit of hindsight I would have paid more for a decent version.
John Treverton will inherit a large estate from his estranged uncle, provided that he marries Laura, his uncle's ward/adopted daughter, within a year after the death. But... is John free to marry?
An enjoyable story, with lots of twists and turns and comic relief provided by Laura's friend Celia. Morally troubling to me in thatJohn's extremely foolish, cowardly and duplicitous behaviour was so readily forgiven by all his friends once it became apparent that circumstances had prevented him from committing bigamy (even though he had intended to) and he hadn't actually murdered La Chicot (even though he wasn't willing to allow the courts to determine this). Not sure what Laura saw in him. Also not entirely convinced George's marriage will be a happy one, but on his own head be it!
John Treverton will inherit a large estate from his estranged uncle, provided that he marries Laura, his uncle's ward/adopted daughter, within a year after the death. But... is John free to marry?
An enjoyable story, with lots of twists and turns and comic relief provided by Laura's friend Celia. Morally troubling to me in that
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