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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
My favourite of my GCSE english texts! Stevenson seems like a very cool guy
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5 Stars
But 5 stars for the Audible narration.
Everyone knows the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, I thought. Surely it wouldn’t be as interesting when the main twist has been revealed long before most had even heard of this novella. However, the prose in this is spectacular. Having the mystery slowly unfold not from Dr.Jekyll’s account, but rather from his concerned friend and lawyer was a masterful choice that allowed the tension and uncertainty to build throughout. Not only that Richard Armitage’s skilled narration has a way of pulling you into the story. He nails the terror and apprehension in Paul’s voice in a way that makes you feel it viscerally. Then the slow way he shifts from the voice of Dr. Jekyll to Mr. Hyde, showing which aspect is being pulled to the forefront just WOW! Cannot recommend giving it a listen enough.
But 5 stars for the Audible narration.
Everyone knows the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, I thought. Surely it wouldn’t be as interesting when the main twist has been revealed long before most had even heard of this novella. However, the prose in this is spectacular. Having the mystery slowly unfold not from Dr.Jekyll’s account, but rather from his concerned friend and lawyer was a masterful choice that allowed the tension and uncertainty to build throughout. Not only that Richard Armitage’s skilled narration has a way of pulling you into the story. He nails the terror and apprehension in Paul’s voice in a way that makes you feel it viscerally. Then the slow way he shifts from the voice of Dr. Jekyll to Mr. Hyde, showing which aspect is being pulled to the forefront just WOW! Cannot recommend giving it a listen enough.
Utterly Confusing and mildly intriguing at the same time.
This story was not what I had expected it to be. The book wasn't as spooky as I had expected. I had already watched the film Mary Reilly so I already knew some of the plot points. The other stories in the book were interesting and I liked how they were interconnected with each other.
Rated: 2.0/5.0 - Overall, I was disappointed as the story didn't live up to my expectations. It was fun to read the original source of the Dr. Jekell and Mr Hyde story, I think I'd like to explore other books or movies based on this.
Rated: 2.0/5.0 - Overall, I was disappointed as the story didn't live up to my expectations. It was fun to read the original source of the Dr. Jekell and Mr Hyde story, I think I'd like to explore other books or movies based on this.
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I can’t believe I haven’t read this before! I didn’t realize it was told from someone else’s POV, and the way it ended was crazy! I wanted to see what Utterson’s reaction would be.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
If you're looking for an easy entry point into Gothic literature, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a solid choice. The book is short - just over fifty pages - and doesn't leave the reader guessing at its meaning for too long. This makes it approachable for a work of its age, but also limits how much is left open to interpretation.
Mr. Hyde's role and symbolism are clearly explained by the end of the novella. While this clarity may be helpful for some readers, it also lessens the impact of the story's central mystery. Because so much is spelled out, there's not a great deal left to linger in the reader’s mind afterward.
That said, the narrative is fairly engaging and holds the reader’s attention. Still, I found myself grateful that it was as short as it was, as by the final pages, it was beginning to drag.
Mr. Hyde's role and symbolism are clearly explained by the end of the novella. While this clarity may be helpful for some readers, it also lessens the impact of the story's central mystery. Because so much is spelled out, there's not a great deal left to linger in the reader’s mind afterward.
That said, the narrative is fairly engaging and holds the reader’s attention. Still, I found myself grateful that it was as short as it was, as by the final pages, it was beginning to drag.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Murder
Moderate: Body horror
Minor: Child abuse
I read this when I was 12, remembering that I absolutely terrified. Must read it again now that it won't make me cry.