Reviews with content warning for Sexism - The Moonstone

Reviews tagging 'Sexism'

The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins

12 reviews

lizzelovesbooks's review against another edition

adventurous mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I wrestled with what to give this book for many reasons, and finally landed on 3.75⭐️s.

I do not doubt that this is a classic text, made to be peeled apart layer by layer. I also don't doubt that this was a well received piece at the time it was written. However, as a modern reader, there were a few things that in general, made this story less enjoyable.

First and foremost, being the typecast racism of the 'villains'. With a modern eye it is hard to see the three Indians as anything other than countrymen seeking a violent process of cultural restoration, at a great cost to themselves.

Add in the sexism and bible bashing common with Victorian literature, and you'll know why I was annoyed!

That said, upon reading more into Collins, it appears that the prologue of this narrative was in fact written in subtle condemnation of the British Empire and their thievery of artifacts from other countries.

Dubbed as "the first of English detective novels", I will say that the mystery of the Moonstone did leave me guessing, and that I can see why the story has been so celebrated.

While I do recommend this book as a read, I also recommend taking it with a pinch of salt and breathing through the frustration of sexism, racism and Christian superiority.

Content Warnings

hashputin's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

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bibliophilemama's review against another edition

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mysterious slow-paced

3.0

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tallbox's review against another edition

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adventurous funny mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

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kerrence30's review against another edition

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challenging mysterious reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Like any whodunnit the cast is varied as to give a wide scope of possibility. Don’t be fooled into thinking this means the disparities in the cast are accepted by eachother. Enough twists and turns to make you second guess the ending, and enough depth to the main characters to interest. Be warned due to the time this was written there is some horrible casual racism and sexism.

Content Warnings