by Robert Louis Stevenson
published 1886
completed June 2012
Two reviews in a week! It's some sort of miracle. This is my first book (well, novella) completed for the Victorian Celebration. You can still join in the fun here. My goal was to try some new-to-me authors, and I have never read anything by Robert Louis Stevenson. I especially was excited to read this after recently visited Edinburgh, home of Stevenson. I'll write a little bit more about that at the end for those who plan to skip it.
So, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. We all seem to know the basics of this story. I can't even remember when I learned of it--probably as a child. It's such a popular reference that I doubt there are many that don't know. I'm one of those strange readers that prefers to know absolutely nothing about a book before picking it up to read. Knowing who Hyde is didn't ruin the book for me, but what I wouldn't give to have read it back in the 1800's when it wasn't common knowledge. It must have been so exciting to read and try to figure out who this evil man was and what his connection was to the upstanding Dr Jekyll.It's a quick little read and leaves you with plenty to ponder. I don't want to start a discussion on the duality of our nature, but Jekyll is an interesting character. Most interesting in the fact that his friends thought they knew him, but they really didn't. I think we've all come across people like that in real life.
Overall, The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, is a quick read and was well-worth the time. After this experience, I'm looking forward to reading more by Robert Louis Stevenson--maybe a little Treasure Island.
I admit, this is one of my favorite books of all time. Yeah, it's a bit silly, and the "science" is cheesy to the modern reader, but the atmosphere is SO well done! I go back and reread it every few years. :D
ReplyDeleteI can see how this would be a favorite. I really enjoyed it. I agree that the atmosphere is well done--really ominous. Even though I knew who Hyde was, I still felt in suspense as to how it was all going to play out. The letter by Jekyll was so fascinating to see how the circumstances came about and how horrifying the consequences were. I will definitely read it again too. Maybe around Halloween next time. :)
DeleteI loved this one! It is such a quick read, but it brings up so many fascinating points about the duality of human nature. I didn't love Treasure Island nearly as much, but I think that's because it was a fun adventure story and I was hoping to find a bit more depth like I found in Jekyll/Hyde.
ReplyDeleteIt is really interesting. I read it kind of quickly, but I'd love to do a re-read. I'd love to read Jekyll's letter again. I found his motivation fascinating. I guess I'll lower my expectations for Treasure Island so that I'm not disappointed when I read it.
DeleteIt is good to imagine yourself as a "new" reader to this story ... not one that kind of knows what is going on despite never reading it. And how cool to have a real life experience to help make you feel more connected to the book/author. I've never read this myself but I probably should!
ReplyDeleteI hope you get a chance to read it. It would be a fun Halloween read.
DeleteI've not read this (yet.) But I enjoyed the book Mary Reilly - have yet to see any of the movies (the Mary Reilly one or any - I assume there must be a few! - of J&H)
ReplyDeleteI love seeing REAL LIFE places of classics!
I'd never heard of Mary Reilly so I had to look it up. That sounds really cool. I'll have to check it out. I haven't seen any Jekyll and Hyde movies either.
DeleteIt's been fun traveling around and seeing literary places. It's been inspiring my reading. After visiting Dublin, I started reading Dorian Gray. I'm also hoping to read Gulliver's Travels after having seen Jonathan Swift's burial site in St Patrick's Cathedral.
I always forget that Stevenson wrote this and Treasure Island--they seem so different in subject! I read this as part of the Dueling Monsters readalong a few years ago and enjoyed it as well but could definitely use a re-read. Fun story about Deacon Brodie!
ReplyDeleteTrish, I'm curious to read Treasure Island now, but it does seem so different. Jekyll and Hyde is pretty dark, and I imagine that Treasure Island is not. It would be a nice one to re-read because it's so short and fairly easy.
DeleteI often find myself wishing I could go into a well-known classic knowing as little as the people who read it at the time. Especially a book like this. Treasure Island is so different, it's almost hard to believe it's the same author. I did not know this was based on a real person. Cool, and at the same time, not cool!
ReplyDeleteI know. Fascinating about Deacon Brodie, but crazy sad that there was a person like that.
DeleteThere are so many classics where the plots have become common knowledge and for someone like me, it takes a little away from the reading experience. I felt that way with Anna Karenina. I wish I hadn't known the ending.
Glad to know that you liked 'Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde', Kristi. It is very different from regular Stevenson novels. I read it only after reading his other adventure novels. It is interesting that it is based on the life of Deacon Brodie who seems to have led an interesting life. Loved the pictures you have posted! Can't believe that it was taken from inside a moving bus - it is so nice! It is wonderful to see the places where the author of the book we are reading lived and worked.
ReplyDeleteStevenson is one of my favourite Victorian writers - I have read many of his adventure novels and have liked all of them - 'Treasure Island', 'Kidnapped', 'The Black Arrow'. 'Treasure Island' is wonderful novel, though it is an adventure novel. Captain Long John Silver is a really cool and flamboyant character. Hope you enjoy reading it. I will look forward to hearing your thoughts on it. Happy Reading!
Thanks Vishy! I'm excited to read Treasure Island. It does seem like it'll be very different than Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. It might be a nice change of pace from the darker story. Glad to hear you enjoyed it.
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