A review by pgchuis
East Lynne by Mrs. Henry Wood

4.0

Another Goodreads reviewer likened this book to a Victorian soap opera, and I think that is a very good description. It is dramatic and fast-paced, often utterly unlikely and outrageous. There is adultery, assumed identities, a murder-mystery, an election, a murder trial and so on and so on. Until the last few chapters I was ready to give this novel five stars, but unfortunately the ending with the two pious deaths was a bit too sentimental even for me.

I spent most of the story wondering what sort of a name Afy was - turns out it's short for Aphrodite. The writing is extremely accessible for a Victorian novel.

Highly recommended.