This morning I finished reading
This 1949 reprinted edition was given to me for my 80th birthday by my daughter Becky who had trawled the internet trying to find a suitable 1942 impression of this 1868 novel acclaimed as the first detective novel. Above is a scan of the still intact book jacket.
Slipped inside the book is a double-sided advertising bookmark, offering bookshelves to suit different readers’ budgets. Note the price of the fine one.
The work is meticulously crafted as to be expected from one who was called to the bar in 1851, then devoted himself to literature.
There are many detailed reviews of the book on line, but I will employ my usual practice of not giving away the story. The choice of Dorothy L. Sayers to write the introduction was most apt. In particular she makes a point of signalling the strength of the author’s female characters.
The reader is gripped by this tale from first to last. Using the device of different sequential narrators Collins relates a complex story which romps through to the end, itself tied together by a number of voices. It is long enough to force us to put it down occasionally, although I have to admit I could have happily taken a break from Miss Clack’s perspective.
Wilkie Collins’s prose is fluent and descriptive, and his dialogue credible. He constantly links different aspects of the story reminding us of earlier details. In his own prefaces he states that the reader will find all the necessary clues in the first ten chapters, thus setting a pattern for later writers of the genre and their later aficionados. I’m no good at spotting these anyway, so I will take his word for it.
This is perhaps the writer’s most famous book, but he, himself, wished to be best remembered for ‘The Woman in White’
Should anyone wish to read a much more detailed review of ‘The Moonstone’ I would refer them to https://www.theguardian.com/books/booksblog/2014/jul/22/book-beach-the-moonstone-wilkie-collins
What a wonderful birthday present! I might borrow Becky’s idea for upcoming birthdays. And, yes, that is quite a price for a bookcase. Of course, wages were much lower then than they are today. But, still!
Yes. Thanks very much, Laurie
A wonderful gift from Becky! I know of the book, but I don’t think I’ve ever read it. Thank you for sharing.
Much appreciated, Merril
Books are always good gifts for those who love to read. Becky chose wisely! The Moonstone sounds like an interesting book, and was even adapted for TV. Thank you!
Much appreciated, Lavinia
This was on my reading list at university. Loved it. Great writer.
Thanks a lot, John
I read it many years ago, and you’re right, it’s a great read.
Thanks very much, John
I thoroughly enjoyed “The Moonstone” too. I think those advertised bookshelves are glass-fronted. At least the one on the right seems to be … harking back to days when one took a lot more care about storage of precious things such as book. I have to vacuum our vast collection every now and then as they are stored on open shelves and get very dusty on top!
Thanks very much, Anne. Yes that one is glass fronted
I am not much of a detective novel reader, but this sounds interesting, just because it is the first.
Thanks very much, Dolly. Same here
You are very welcome, Derrick.
Oh, that’s a gorgeous book. I’m going to have to try to find it (a newer copy) at the library to read. It sounds great.
Thank you very much, Jodie
xo
I still need to read The Moonstone. (It was a favorite of my dad’s.) I’ve never been able to solve a mystery with the clues provided.
Nor me, Liz. Thanks very much
You’re welcome, Derrick.
Fascinating review, Derrick. Another title for my TBR list.?
Thanks very much, Pat
YAY! What a wonderful, thoughtful, meaningful gift from Becky! In so many ways!
YAY on that well-seasoned ad! What a fun find!
YAY for your book review! I ALWAYS enjoy when you write a book review, Derrick!
(((HUGS)))
PS…Do you have a favorite author or two or three? I’m curious who they would be.
I’m no good at picking favourites, but I do like Elizabeth Gaskell, to name one Victorian, and V.S. Naipaul, of the moderns. Thanks very much, Carolyn X
You’re welcome! And thank you for sharing these!
What a wonderful birthday gift.
I became drawn to detective books at twelve years old when I regularly babysat for the neighbours next door. They had bookcases full of books, whereas we did not, our books came from the library. The neighbours allowed me to borrow their books and initially I became hooked on the American detective stories.
Thanks very much, Sue
I’ve long heard of the power of Wilkie’s prose, but have yet to read anything for myself
Thanks very much, Gwen. Lengthy but easy to read
I have been thinking of reading this books for eons. Now that you have given it a thumbs up through your subtle description, I might just summon a copy from the Internet.
Thanks very much, Uma
HI Derrick, it is amazing to find this review of The Moonstone here today. I just read up about this book today. Such a coincidence.
Indeed. Thanks very much, Robbie
Hi Derrick – I’ve read both of these and thought they were excellent. Thanks for sharing your 1949 edition. I’d like that “fine” bookcase at that price!
Thanks very much, Barbara. I’d like a stack of them 🙂