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A review by flajol
The Hopkins Manuscript by R.C. Sherriff
4.0
A friend introduced me to Persephone Books a few weeks ago, and of course I was immediately drawn to the science-fiction and horror titles. [b:The Victorian Chaise-Longue|23452034|The Victorian Chaise-Longue|Marghanita Laski|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1414352351s/23452034.jpg|1152804] was OK- more creepy than frightening, but I loved 'The Hopkins Manuscript'.
As noted in Moorcock's introduction, Sherriff's book falls firmly within the same sphere as John Wyndham & HG Wells' works. I loved those stories as a teenager, along with John Christopher's books, and 'The Hopkins Manuscript' sits very comfortably alongside them.
Edgar Hopkins is such a self-important, fussy, and blinkered character, and it's a testament to Sherriff's skill that we still want him to survive and thrive, no matter how often he makes us cringe (or occasionally bellow in outrage at his awful attitudes towards those he deems beneath him).
Sherriff captured his characters so well, even through the lens of Hopkins' narrow view. I'll be seeking out his other novels, which means at least one more purchase from Persephone...
As noted in Moorcock's introduction, Sherriff's book falls firmly within the same sphere as John Wyndham & HG Wells' works. I loved those stories as a teenager, along with John Christopher's books, and 'The Hopkins Manuscript' sits very comfortably alongside them.
Edgar Hopkins is such a self-important, fussy, and blinkered character, and it's a testament to Sherriff's skill that we still want him to survive and thrive, no matter how often he makes us cringe (or occasionally bellow in outrage at his awful attitudes towards those he deems beneath him).
Sherriff captured his characters so well, even through the lens of Hopkins' narrow view. I'll be seeking out his other novels, which means at least one more purchase from Persephone...