Scan barcode
celiapowell's review against another edition
4.0
I listened to this classic thriller (a bestseller in the 1860s, accordingly to the blurb) as an audio book, which is not for the faint hearted. 20 CDs later, and I reached the ending. What a great story, and what wonderful villians, conducting such an elaborate scheme for what I suppose must have been a great deal of money.
I found the relationship between Walter, the narrator, and Laura very frustrating, particularly later in the book. Laura is so pathetic and so sweet and so dreadfully childlike, and utterly adored by the narrator. I wanted Walter to get together with Laura's sister Marion, who is witty and intelligent. However, while he constantly goes on about wonderful Marion and her strength and intelligence, he's still swept away by drippy Laura. Foolish man.
Other than that, a fabulous story - I loved the language, particularly listening to it - the formal nature of the confessions and narratives from each character. This would make a marvellous accompaniment to sitting down and knitting away, I think, imagining that you're sitting in the parlour with Walter listening to him tell you his story.
I found the relationship between Walter, the narrator, and Laura very frustrating, particularly later in the book. Laura is so pathetic and so sweet and so dreadfully childlike, and utterly adored by the narrator. I wanted Walter to get together with Laura's sister Marion, who is witty and intelligent. However, while he constantly goes on about wonderful Marion and her strength and intelligence, he's still swept away by drippy Laura. Foolish man.
Other than that, a fabulous story - I loved the language, particularly listening to it - the formal nature of the confessions and narratives from each character. This would make a marvellous accompaniment to sitting down and knitting away, I think, imagining that you're sitting in the parlour with Walter listening to him tell you his story.
helenace13's review against another edition
medium-paced
2.5
For a thriller, this book is not exciting and the main plotlines aren't enjoyable nor a surprise. What is even worse IMO is the total lack of accurate female representation (I know it's written by a man and when it was written). There are essentially 4 main stereotypes: the faithful wife, the spinster (there is one in the story who is supposed to be the most level-headed and rational woman some of the male characters have ever met, yet she makes stereotypical remarks about women), the servant and the lunatic (who is in an asylum but clearly doesn't belong there but is only there because of the influence of men)...
thoughton98's review against another edition
5.0
Overall, a great story filled with intriguing characters that make you genuinely interested about where the novel will go. Count Fosco is a brilliant villain, and Hartwright/ Marian are admirable protagonists. There are some sections of overly-lengthy descriptions that detract from the main plot, but otherwise a great Gothic tale of suspense and lust that I would highly recommend.
kaitlyn_2005's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
sumz_4404's review against another edition
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
klhitt's review against another edition
5.0
Took a while to read due to the older language and writing style, but it was funny and interesting and thoroughly enjoyable. And oh, Marian! If marriage is winning in these books, you should have found a prince!
kat_sanford's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
glyf's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
Exceeded expectations. I've read old science fiction, old romance, and old political satire, but this was my first old mystery thriller. I dug the epistolary format for its different narrators and their voices and opinions. It suffered a little from that thing where it feels predictable to a modern reader because it features tropes that feel overused now, but they were cutting-edge at the time; however, the tension and drama were satisfying enough that I didn't really care. I have to say also that the number of modern thriller novels that make me gasp "No!" out loud are like, zero, and this one made me do it twice.
lalina's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0