General Chat

REVIEW MOONSTONE BY WILKI COLLINS The maxim, never judge a book by its cover comes to mind. If I had seen this book at the library with the creepy cover of Indian men looking scary on the front I would never have taken it out. The added to the fact that I don’t very often read detective stories would have put me off. However, being the book club choice I did. And I am glad I did. At first I found it a little hard going as the language was 19th century of course and felt a bit stilted. But as I got into it, the story intrigued me and I found it hard to put down. The story is ‘told’ via the vehicle of different characters in the story which makes it feel as if you are getting a different viewpoint on the mystery. The mystery concerns the disappearance of The Moonstone, a large yellow diamond, a famous gem in India. Earliest known traditions describe the stone as having been set in the forehead of the four-handed Indian God who typifies the Moon. This gem is stolen by a man called Herncastle and passed down to his niece when he died. The stone is conveyed to the niece Rachel Verinder by Franklin Blake . These two fall in love then out again when the diamond mysteriously disappears. The book is obviously about who, why, where and when. (I wont put any more as if anyone want to read it the story would be spoiled.) It is amazing to think this story is still fresh and yet it was first written in the 1860s. It is extremely well plotted and, unlike some modern detective novels it is not easy to guess the outcome. There is comedy and pathos, romance and suspense, there is also insight into the class divisions of the time, all you could hope for in a detective novel. Opium plays a big parrt in the story and it is obvious that the author is well acquainted with the effects of the drug. He was himself addicted to it as he suffered from Rheumatic gout and needed to take laudanum for the pain. A good choice, a page turner as they say and an interesting intriguing read.

Hi all, I have also just finished the Moonstone. I really enjoyed it. There was a point, about halfway through where it seemed to get quite involved and there was alot of dashing up and down the country and I almost lost the thread. That aside, I enjoyed the way the story was constructed, with each character telling how they were involved. This made it easy to flick back and check exactly what a certain person had said, done, or how they perceived something. Although I thought I knew who'd done it... I wasn't absolutely sure until the end. Wasn't he an out and out rotter!!!! Paula.

Hi! folks here's my review for A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson .I found this book to be extremely enjoyabl and easy to read it's more like a travel guide or to be precise more like 'how not to travel' Basically it is about Bill Bryson and his hiking pal Dave Katz hiking the 2,100 mile Appalachian Trail. Bryson having recently moved house came upon a path near his home which turned out to be the AT running from Georgia to Maine. Fueled with interest and a small voice in his head saying 'lets do it' and not deterred by the stories of bears, snakes, storms, flash floods all sorts of diseases with no known cure which can be caught there he sets about planning his trek. He and Katz set off eventually not only ill prepared but very inexperienced. Katz who is also out of condition finds it a great struggle and lags behind constantly, this brings no end of humour to the journey. They do battle with the elements - snow knee high, freezing cold, torrential rain but gamely struggle on continually dreaming of hot showers, food and comfortable lodgings. The people they meet along the way also brings colour and laughter, all adding to a delightful read. Bryson is very good at describing the scenery, in fact, it becomes a nature lesson and its very worring to hear him describe how the forest is declining in many ways due to the lack of money spent on it. Do they finish the Trail or not, well you have to read it to find out. A really interesting book, although I think it could cause many a person wishing to Walk the AT to think again. Norah

Hello Greaders !! Here is my twopennorth about the Moonstone - didn't read the intro/notes etc or Dee's review - didn't want to influence my thoughts lol! Thoroughly enjoyed this mystery - even more so as I actually guessed 'whodunnit' lol!! I thought he was VERY dodgy from the start! I loved the way the story was told from the viewpoint of different characters. Gabriel was perfect to start with and to provide the bulk of the action; honest, funny (without knowing it), loyal to a fault, nosey, doesn't miss a THING!! Very clever to let the writing of each person show their character. I loved the Miss Clack piece - it was so easy to see what her motives and thoughts really were - despite everything she said to show herself in a 'Christian' light! An interfering, hypocritical busybody who is desperately in love with Godfrey! Although its a bit technical for me to explain (!) I feel that the names of the characters are very important - he uses them in a sort of descriptive/suggestive way, like Dickens. Seems to me you have Gabriel Betteridge (angel, better), Miss Clack (annoying noise lol) Franklin Blake (frank, honest), Ablewhite - father and son (able to seem whiter than white), the Verinders (veracity??), Rosanna Spearman (pretty first name, lethal surname!!), Sgt Cuff (punchy lol). Of course, you may all think I am completely bonkers!!!! I thought the plot was very clever - although I thought I knew the guilty party, I did get thrown off the scent once or twice! I liked Gabriel, Ezra Jennings (my maiden name!) and Sgt Cuff, disliked Godfrey Ablewhite and Miss Clack. Rachel and Franklin - I felt I was supposed to like them, but I just couldn't quite do it! They both made me feel a little uneasy - as if I wouldn't be able to trust them completely. Wonder if anyone else felt the same? I do like a book with a neat ending - hate being left to 'imagine' it for myself, so having all the loose ends tied up was a fitting end for me to a great read. Have heard The Woman is White is supposed to be as good, so will definitely be trying that sometime soon. Maz. XX ps - have just started Walk in the Woods and I am ROFLMAO !!

Well folks, it is the 1st November and I have finished The Moonstone so thought I would set the ball rolling and post my review. The Moonstone – Wilkie Collins It was certainly a book that kept me guessing right up to the last few pages. In some respects I found it a little far fetched that the crime had been committed in such a way, but it is typical of its time, when mind altering substances were used with little understanding of there side effects Like many books of the time it was written as a serialisation. The author was only ever a few episodes ahead of the reader. As mentioned on another thread, a few days ago, in relation to Bleak House, by Dickens, (apologies for not remembering who by) this leads to a series of cliff hangers, enticing the reader to look out for the next episode. The parts of the book relating to the unrequited love of the poor serving girl for Franklin Blake, and her efforts to protect him from detection, were well written. This poor girl, who already had a criminal record, would have been a prime suspect when the Moonstone disappeared. She was quite shrewd, and her desire to protect Franklin was possibly fuelled by a hope that he might one day learn of the steps she had taken to protect him and repay her loyalty by removing her from her life of drudgery. One incident I found fascinating was when Sergeant Cuff asked the aged servant Betteridge to shake him by the hand. In the words of the book ‘ Why he should have chosen the exact moment when I was deceiving him to give me proof of his good opinion is beyond all comprehension!!!’ I couldn’t help thinking that Cuff was hoping to tell whether Betteridge was telling the truth or not by shaking hands, a psychological test of honesty maybe? In the introduction to the copy I read laundry lists come under great scrutiny An item of clothing, bearing an incriminating stain, could not just be disposed of in the kind of establishment where this crime took place. Every item would be labelled and accountable for. The poor servant girl who realised that the laundry might be checked for evidence went to great lengths to replace the stained item. Not something we think of in today’s throwaway society, where clothes worn at the scene of a crime that could be subjected to forensic scrutiny, would be destroyed. All in all I am pleased that this book was brought to my attention, it was not a book I had come across before. An interesting tale, and I may look out for others by Wilkie Collins in the future. Dee xx

Should also have finished The Moonstone by1st November. Paula.

Thank goodness I thought I had missed it or you had a private thread or something (being new I was'nt sure how you went about it) and been looking up all the old threads. Finished A Walk in the Woods but will be away for second review but here for the 1st nov Norah

Hi Maz I have a vague feeling Ann may be on holiday, not sure how long for though. I can try and be finshed by the 1st November Lily You can read either or both books, we will be reviewing again on the 27th November Dee xx

I am about 2/3 of the way through the Moonstone - not started Bill Bryson yet. Must be psychic Dee - was wondering if we were sposed to be reviewing yet! Was gonna look back at the thread tonight! Maybe we could say 1st Nov - might be finished by then???!! Maz. XX

So we try and read these two books in Nov? Lily

Ann I have just realised that we were supposed to be reviewing our first book yesterday (27th) I am still reading The Moonstone, hope to be able add to the November review if that is OK Dee x

Hope you can find a copy Jill. thanks to all those who have 'signed in'. Happy reading. Ann Glos

Will try and order via amazon fr,so hope to be able to join in. Jill xx:)

Just touching base, to let you see I have received the result. Paula.

Anybody not sen this who needs to? Ann Glos

Thank you all who voted for the Moonstone as I soooo wanted to read it and couldn't vote for it myself! Hopefully I will read both in time. Maz. XX

Hi Ann I have just got hold of a copy of Wilkie Collins, now to find time to read it!!!! Dee xx

I have ordered the Moonstone from the library. So now have to wait until it comes in. Jacqui, by all mean review the book you have to read. I was going to suggest you put one of the books you have there on the list to see if it gets voted for. maybe next time. Everyone: Read either one or both. Remember this is for the next two months reading so that we can catch up. Read and review one by 27th October and the second by 27th November. it doesn't matter in which order, or if you prefer to only read one. You should be able to order either from the library if you are a member. The Bill Bryson is still in stock in places like Ottakers. Don't know about the Moonstone. If you really, really have trouble getting either then please review a book of your choice for us on either or both dates. Any other questions please ask. Ann Glos

Have checked and Redditch have a copy of The Moonstone, so next time I go in will go and borrow it. I have read Bill Bryson's book and one or two others, more my sort of reading as not really into fiction, but we will see how we get on. Read The Woman in White for my O' Level and enjoyed it. Ros.

Hi Ann.... Obviously, I didn't vote but I have another book by one of the Authors on the list.... Dance with a poor Man's Daughter by Pamela Jooste So I will review that one when the time comes if that is OK. Happy reading everyone I shall look forward to your reviews. Jacquie xxxxx