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ianl1963's review
3.0
Well unsurprising that the biggest seller of his day, yet unknown next to Dickens; well by this idiot anyway.
Hopefully kick start a study of the age, to see what is true within the tales.
If actually factual in painting the setting then unforgivable, so different to England of early C21? :-(
Paints a ghastly picture, that said at times a mirror of todays society; written circa 1845.
Onto the next tome; doff my cap to the librivox readers, though chichester rather a poser for those outisde of UK!
Hopefully kick start a study of the age, to see what is true within the tales.
If actually factual in painting the setting then unforgivable, so different to England of early C21? :-(
Paints a ghastly picture, that said at times a mirror of todays society; written circa 1845.
Onto the next tome; doff my cap to the librivox readers, though chichester rather a poser for those outisde of UK!
lbrex's review
5.0
I read volume 1 of _The Mysteries of London_ for research and found Reynolds's work addictive and enjoyable. This story, published in a giant tome by the wonderful Valancourt Books, are a great example of early Victorian popular fiction--the "penny dreadful"--with a salacious narrative that winds through one cheap penny number after another. Reynolds's work outsold Dickens, and, upon reading these, one can certainly see why. There is not the same craft as Dickens, but the ability to string together intriguing characters, suspense, and blistering social satire is unparalleled. If you're interested in Victorian literature and like serial narratives--whether soap operas, telenovelas, or fantasy series--I think you'll find a lot to love here.
ink__and__page's review
4.0
Phew, this has so many twists and turns to keep up with! Really enjoying the read-a-long with author Sarah M. Eden on youtube found here . Such a great idea for the pandemic, to do a virtual read-a-long as we social distance for this pandemic! Eager to see how this story continues in Part 2...
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