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lizzelovesbooks's review against another edition
- 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 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.
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.
Graphic: Racism and Sexism
Moderate: Religious bigotry and Chronic illness
steelydan's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Minor: Colonisation and Religious bigotry
hashputin's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Racism, Religious bigotry, and Sexism
Moderate: Terminal illness, War, Murder, and Addiction
fourfootedbeasts's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Graphic: Racism, Colonisation, and Religious bigotry
kerrence30's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Death of parent, Suicidal thoughts, Addiction, Body shaming, Ableism, Chronic illness, Racial slurs, Racism, Colonisation, Dementia, Drug use, Murder, Sexism, Terminal illness, Cancer, Misogyny, and Religious bigotry
Minor: Pregnancy
jowmy4's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Graphic: Death, Murder, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Moderate: Drug use, Medical content, Mental illness, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Terminal illness, and Xenophobia
Minor: Addiction, Body shaming, Cursing, Drug abuse, Grief, Kidnapping, Racial slurs, Religious bigotry, Stalking, and Violence