The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Charles Dickens
I have to admit that, until the BBC announced its adaptation of Dickens' unfinished work, I'd never heard of this book. But, having watched the version broadcast around Christmas, I felt compelled to read it for myself and draw my own conclusions.
For those who, like me, were ignorant of this Dickens novel, here's a bit of background. Dickens died before completing The Mystery of Edwin Drood, aptly leaving it as a genuine puzzle. There are plenty of theories about what actually happened to Edwin and even societies dedicated to this end! But, ultimately, none of us can know what Dickens intended for his title character.
That said, I think the BBC did a pretty good job with their adaptation and even if you disagree with their ending, I felt they managed to stay true to the spirit of the characters in the novel.
So, to the actual book. Firstly, it's a Dickens novel, so if you don't get on well with his style of prose, you're probably best to leave this one on the shelf (personally, I think you'll be missing out, but that's just me). One of the things I enjoy most about his writing is the description, its detail and the wonderful ways he has of painting incredibly vivid pictures in my mind. A personal favourite from this novel is the passage about Mrs Crisparkle's cupboard and its contents - wonderful!
As to the story, it's compelling, which makes it somewhat frustrating to see it end before you've really got a handle on the mystery. The basic premise is that young Edwin Drood disappears leaving little trace, with his uncle John Jasper (who's definitely got a dark side) assuming murder and blaming Neville Landlass, a relatively new arrival to the town of Cloisterham. His accusations are based on quarrel between the two men some months earlier.
Throw into the mix the wonderful character of Mr Crisparkle - an advocate for Neville - Rosa (Edwin's betrothed) and her guardian Mr Grewgious, as well as Neville's sister Helena and the intriguing Mr Tartar and you've got an excellent cast of characters to carry you through the story. I much prefer it when you get halfway through a book and realise you actually care what happens to the characters. I genuinely worried about what would befall Rosa when Mr Jasper came to visit her alone. I really wanted Neville to be able to prove his innocence and I was grinning from ear to ear when Mr Crisparkle stood up to the odious Mr Honeysuckle.
That's what sets good writing apart from the mediocre and downright rubbish - that decades or even centuries after something's been written, you can still identify with the characters and feel as though you've developed a relationship with them, after all, emotions don't change.
So, would I recommend reading The Mystery of Edwin Drood - absolutely, especially if you enjoy Dickens. Do be prepared for a very deflated feeling when you reach the end of the prose, though. The story is beginning to gather pace and then you're left with nothing but your own ideas about the outcome - not something you can blame anyone for, but frustrating nonetheless.
I have to admit that, until the BBC announced its adaptation of Dickens' unfinished work, I'd never heard of this book. But, having watched the version broadcast around Christmas, I felt compelled to read it for myself and draw my own conclusions.
For those who, like me, were ignorant of this Dickens novel, here's a bit of background. Dickens died before completing The Mystery of Edwin Drood, aptly leaving it as a genuine puzzle. There are plenty of theories about what actually happened to Edwin and even societies dedicated to this end! But, ultimately, none of us can know what Dickens intended for his title character.
That said, I think the BBC did a pretty good job with their adaptation and even if you disagree with their ending, I felt they managed to stay true to the spirit of the characters in the novel.
So, to the actual book. Firstly, it's a Dickens novel, so if you don't get on well with his style of prose, you're probably best to leave this one on the shelf (personally, I think you'll be missing out, but that's just me). One of the things I enjoy most about his writing is the description, its detail and the wonderful ways he has of painting incredibly vivid pictures in my mind. A personal favourite from this novel is the passage about Mrs Crisparkle's cupboard and its contents - wonderful!
As to the story, it's compelling, which makes it somewhat frustrating to see it end before you've really got a handle on the mystery. The basic premise is that young Edwin Drood disappears leaving little trace, with his uncle John Jasper (who's definitely got a dark side) assuming murder and blaming Neville Landlass, a relatively new arrival to the town of Cloisterham. His accusations are based on quarrel between the two men some months earlier.
Throw into the mix the wonderful character of Mr Crisparkle - an advocate for Neville - Rosa (Edwin's betrothed) and her guardian Mr Grewgious, as well as Neville's sister Helena and the intriguing Mr Tartar and you've got an excellent cast of characters to carry you through the story. I much prefer it when you get halfway through a book and realise you actually care what happens to the characters. I genuinely worried about what would befall Rosa when Mr Jasper came to visit her alone. I really wanted Neville to be able to prove his innocence and I was grinning from ear to ear when Mr Crisparkle stood up to the odious Mr Honeysuckle.
That's what sets good writing apart from the mediocre and downright rubbish - that decades or even centuries after something's been written, you can still identify with the characters and feel as though you've developed a relationship with them, after all, emotions don't change.
So, would I recommend reading The Mystery of Edwin Drood - absolutely, especially if you enjoy Dickens. Do be prepared for a very deflated feeling when you reach the end of the prose, though. The story is beginning to gather pace and then you're left with nothing but your own ideas about the outcome - not something you can blame anyone for, but frustrating nonetheless.
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