Puzzles in 19th-century fiction
Short synopsis:
John Sutherland analyzes unsolved mysteries and enigmas in classic 19th century fiction.
Language I read the book in: English
Did I like it? Yes
For people who: like to get to the bottom of things, enjoy speculating about what happened that the writers kept quiet about.
This is a delightful read if you have read the books in question and always wondered about certain aspects, like, for example, what the hell was that transcendental experience when Jane and Mr. Rochester communicate via “celestial telegram”? Or, what went really on between Ms. Stoner and Dr. Roylott in “The Speckled Band”? Or whether Alec is a rapist or not?
Out of the 34 books tackled I have read only 13, not an impressive figure, but it is still worth getting this book. Plus, the intriguing chapter titles encourage you to go and read the rest. Who wouldn’t want to know what is behind the question “What kind of murderer is John Barton?”, or what is the story of “Effie Dean’s phantom pregnancy”
Highly recommended!
Related books by John Sutherland:
Can Jane Eyre be happy? *** Who betrays Elizabeth Bennett?
Product info and buy link :
| Title | Is Heathcliff a murderer? |
| Author | John Sutherland |
| Publisher | Oxford Paperbacks |
| ISBN | 9780192834683 |
| I got this book from | I bought it |
| Buy link | Buy Is Heathcliff a murderer? in Awesome Books’ bargain bin |
Have you read this book? What did you think of it? I would love to hear other opinions.
This sounds great, but I usually find that I haven’t read most of the books and I don’t want to spoil them by reading these kind of analysis.
Elena’s last post ..Quote: Cloud Atlas
Most of the books are rather well known, actually, so you might have read more than you think.
Interesting series, I hadn’t heard of them before! Perhaps not books I’d pick up in a hurry, but if I see one lying around in a bargain bin, I’d probably bring them home.
They are great to read in small doses.