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gosia_7's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
mlafaive's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
sams84's review against another edition
4.0
This is a superb story that is packed with intrigue and conspiracy that begins innocently enough with two orphans whose parents had arranged their marriage before their deaths and their remaining relatives and friends. However it quickly becomes apparent that all is not quite as it seems, culminating in the disappearance of Edwin and the discovering of his belonging where they should not be. Later revelations hint and uncover a few possible conclusions and motives building to what would have undoubtly been a superb finale. Sadly Charles' death prevented him finishing this tale and while I did know this before picking this book up it is surprising how frustrating that is (although luckily he did write a summary to his friend John Forster so that has helped ease the pain). While this is frustrating as a reader it doesn't detract from the story and even allows the reader to finish the story in their own minds. A great read just be prepared to be cut short (but a quick search online will provide some closure).
zbmorgan's review against another edition
4.0
It isn't easy to go into a book knowing it's only half written, but give this one, the book Dickens was working on when he died, a chance. The first few chapters are, in traditional Dickens fashion, set up, with interesting characters, a few secrets the reader is introduced to but the characters don't know, and lots of atmosphere and setting.
At first, I was sure Dickens was writing this one by the seat of his pants- no plan, lots of outs, anyone of these quirky characters could be Drood's killer. By the time I had gotten to the end (by his contract since this was printed in installments in magazine fashion, we know he finished 50% of the book) he had changed my mind- he knew EXACTLY what he was doing. But what make it worth the rad isn't even the plot- it's his incredible characters, his deft humor, and his subversive ability to make you feel the fog, smell the opium den. Can't give it 5 stars without knowing the end, but aside from that, worth it!
At first, I was sure Dickens was writing this one by the seat of his pants- no plan, lots of outs, anyone of these quirky characters could be Drood's killer. By the time I had gotten to the end (by his contract since this was printed in installments in magazine fashion, we know he finished 50% of the book) he had changed my mind- he knew EXACTLY what he was doing. But what make it worth the rad isn't even the plot- it's his incredible characters, his deft humor, and his subversive ability to make you feel the fog, smell the opium den. Can't give it 5 stars without knowing the end, but aside from that, worth it!
rosielazar1's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
isobelline's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.0
The unfinished Di...
This! This is what I wanted out of Dickens all this time! Engaging plot, colorful characters, concise chapters, women that don't suck - it's all here! So it is a double shame that Mr. Dickens died before he could finish what he had started...
Edwin Drood occupies a weird place in my mind. I, like many others who have read this novel, desperately want to find the answers to all of my questions - What happened to Edwin? Is he really dead? Who is Dick Datchery? And what's the deal with the old lady smoking opium? We will never get the answers to these questions. We may comfort ourselves with our theories and our speculations, but the only truth here is this - Dickens took the mystery of Edwin Drood to his grave. But wouldn't it also lose its charm if it was finished? I believe it would. Part of what makes The Mystery of Edwin Drood so alluring is that it is unsolvable and it is unsolvable precisely because it is incomplete. Would it still capture so many hearts and minds if Dickens had completed it? Or would it be another one of his many novels?
The edition that I read also included Clues to 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood' by J. Cuming Walters. And here is where I have some issues. I agree with parts of his theory.His description of how the murder was carried out by Jasper and how his plan might have been revealed I find pretty sound, even though a small part of me is still not entirely convinced that Edwin is dead. What I don't agree with is his candidate for Datchery - Helena Landless. His reasoning here seems to be built partially on evidence from the novel itself, partially on gender stereotypes and partially on his own personal headcanons - I don't think Dickens ever hinted at a romance plot between her and Crisparkle?? Not to mention the fact the anyone in Cloisterham who has eyes would have recognized that Datchery is just a woman in a wig. It's not a particularly convincing disguise. Also, his theory on Princess Puffer's role in all this is straight up whack - he seems to think that opium addiction is hereditary? The 'Princess Puffer is John Jasper's secret mother' theory is bullshit, it's incredibly flimsy.
So, my Dickens marathon has almost come to a close. I've left David Copperfield for dessert, as it is my favorite (and Dickens' favorite too!), so I will be ending it on a high note. See you all in a bit!
This! This is what I wanted out of Dickens all this time! Engaging plot, colorful characters, concise chapters, women that don't suck - it's all here! So it is a double shame that Mr. Dickens died before he could finish what he had started...
Edwin Drood occupies a weird place in my mind. I, like many others who have read this novel, desperately want to find the answers to all of my questions - What happened to Edwin? Is he really dead? Who is Dick Datchery? And what's the deal with the old lady smoking opium? We will never get the answers to these questions. We may comfort ourselves with our theories and our speculations, but the only truth here is this - Dickens took the mystery of Edwin Drood to his grave. But wouldn't it also lose its charm if it was finished? I believe it would. Part of what makes The Mystery of Edwin Drood so alluring is that it is unsolvable and it is unsolvable precisely because it is incomplete. Would it still capture so many hearts and minds if Dickens had completed it? Or would it be another one of his many novels?
The edition that I read also included Clues to 'The Mystery of Edwin Drood' by J. Cuming Walters. And here is where I have some issues. I agree with parts of his theory.
So, my Dickens marathon has almost come to a close. I've left David Copperfield for dessert, as it is my favorite (and Dickens' favorite too!), so I will be ending it on a high note. See you all in a bit!
nadaoq's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.75
sandra_buckwell's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Although incomplete, The Mystery of Edwin Drood was well worth the read, such a shame it wasn't finished as it would have been among the top Dickens reads. I'm glad I read it to complete reading all of Dickens novels.
jowmy4's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
rmesquirrel's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
0.25
One of the MOST boring books I ever read.