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kaliobooks's review against another edition
4.0
• East Lynne by Ellen Wood, 2000 Broadview Press, originally published in 1861
Ellen Wood (1814-1887) wrote as “Mrs. Henry Wood,” giving the impression of a proper and genteel lady of the times. But her life was one of poverty and stress—a lifelong invalid, Ellen Wood married a man who quickly went broke. Mrs. Wood took to writing to support her family, often working on two novels at a time and completing them at breakneck speed. Fortunately her first novel, East Lynne, was a runaway hit that assured her a constant place in the bestseller lists. East Lynne is the name of a distinguished manor house owned by Mr. Carlyle, an equally distinguished, kind and steady young country lawyer. But his life is not free of turmoil—there’s a woman dear to him who falls victim to jealousy, rumor, and miscommunication, and a scandalous unsolved murder lurking in the neighborhood that affects another lovely young lady. The story and characters are infinitely more complicated—a fugitive son, a harping spinster, a devoted servant, a mysterious villain—and no one is entirely without guilt or innocence. Ellen Wood’s career was made with East Lynne and it was read by everyone from prince to pauper (quite literally; the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, was a confessed fan of the book). Neglected for most of the last century, it’s back in print by Broadview Press. With its themes of guilt, repentance, and its suspenseful atmosphere of foreshadowed disaster, East Lynne is an archetype of the Sensation Novel.
Ellen Wood (1814-1887) wrote as “Mrs. Henry Wood,” giving the impression of a proper and genteel lady of the times. But her life was one of poverty and stress—a lifelong invalid, Ellen Wood married a man who quickly went broke. Mrs. Wood took to writing to support her family, often working on two novels at a time and completing them at breakneck speed. Fortunately her first novel, East Lynne, was a runaway hit that assured her a constant place in the bestseller lists. East Lynne is the name of a distinguished manor house owned by Mr. Carlyle, an equally distinguished, kind and steady young country lawyer. But his life is not free of turmoil—there’s a woman dear to him who falls victim to jealousy, rumor, and miscommunication, and a scandalous unsolved murder lurking in the neighborhood that affects another lovely young lady. The story and characters are infinitely more complicated—a fugitive son, a harping spinster, a devoted servant, a mysterious villain—and no one is entirely without guilt or innocence. Ellen Wood’s career was made with East Lynne and it was read by everyone from prince to pauper (quite literally; the Prince of Wales, later Edward VII, was a confessed fan of the book). Neglected for most of the last century, it’s back in print by Broadview Press. With its themes of guilt, repentance, and its suspenseful atmosphere of foreshadowed disaster, East Lynne is an archetype of the Sensation Novel.
alogotranzyfobka's review against another edition
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
2.25
poppymaeve's review against another edition
5.0
I can't get over how good this book was. I knew what was going to happen in it, as it was featured on a documentary a couple of weeks ago, but I found that despite this I was still gripped. I would've loved to read it without knowing what was going to happen though, as I imagined I would've loved the book even more - if that's possible.
With over 600 pages, I can honestly say - hand on my heart - that there wasn't a single boring page in the whole novel. There was never a moment where I felt slightly bored, or didn't care about what was going on. And I don't say this lightly, because in even some of my favourite books of all time there are a couple of pages or so where I lose interest.
I can't believe that this novel isn't more well known, and I will defiantly be recommending it to everyone I meet.
With over 600 pages, I can honestly say - hand on my heart - that there wasn't a single boring page in the whole novel. There was never a moment where I felt slightly bored, or didn't care about what was going on. And I don't say this lightly, because in even some of my favourite books of all time there are a couple of pages or so where I lose interest.
I can't believe that this novel isn't more well known, and I will defiantly be recommending it to everyone I meet.
dawncox's review against another edition
4.0
Loved this.
Not as subtle or as skilled as Braddon or Collins. The plot was almost OTT but it drew me in. I had intended to read it bit by bit while reading other books but I couldn't put it down.
Some really comically exaggerated scenes and some deliberately weepy moments but all very enjoyable.
Not as subtle or as skilled as Braddon or Collins. The plot was almost OTT but it drew me in. I had intended to read it bit by bit while reading other books but I couldn't put it down.
Some really comically exaggerated scenes and some deliberately weepy moments but all very enjoyable.
phthadani's review against another edition
4.0
This was so enjoyable and such a page-turner. The story was beautifully written, tragic, and trilling.
msgtdameron's review against another edition
4.0
This is an interesting read: just as you say "OK this is getting tedious" Mrs. Wood throws a monkey wrench into your thoughts with an interesting twist. This work is the story of murder, love, jealousy, rank, in England, honor, pride, and lack of communication and maturity. All in all a good read and overall a quick read. The Tour de France has been running this past three weeks so with rising a 0500 and then watching NHL playoffs until 2100 and 2200 every night, I've napped when I could have been reading. But, the work is still a quick read once you get through some of the early trudge.
emmamolyneux's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
theconorhilton's review against another edition
4.0
Delightful! Sensational! Twists and turns and drama and intrigue. Just like sensation fiction promises. Really interesting in the way the two core plots are welded together and how the novel is divided between them (and also the central role of place in that decision).
traceymc's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0