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The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Other Stories
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and Other Stories
Author: Robert Louis Stevenson
Idealistic young scientist Henry Jekyll struggles to unlock the secrets of the soul. Testing chemicals in his lab, he drinks a mixture he hopes will isolate -- and eliminate -- human evil. Instead it unleashes the dark forces within him, transforming him into the hideous and murderous Mr. Hyde. — The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde dramat...  more »
ISBN-13: 9781593080549
ISBN-10: 1593080549
Publication Date: 10/1/2003
Pages: 320
Rating:
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 24

3.9 stars, based on 24 ratings
Publisher: Barnes & Noble
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Other Versions: Hardcover
Members Wishing: 1
Reviews: Member | Amazon | Write a Review

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ophelia99 avatar reviewed The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Other Stories on + 2527 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This was another classic book, like the Phantom of the Opera, that I had heard a lot about but never actually sat down and read. It is a pretty quick read, well written, and fairly disturbing...although maybe not by today's standards.

Most of the story is told from the viewpoint of Mr. Utterson, a lawyer who is a friend of Dr. Jekyll's and who observes Dr. Jekyll's strangeness from an outside perspective. Mr. Utterson has some experience bumping into Mr. Hyde as well and finds Mr. Hyde a most disturbing character. Most people know the premise behind the story, so the surprise twist at the ending isn't really a surprise. Basically Mr. Utterson tells you about Dr. Jekyll and how Dr. Jekyll's life is intertwined with the disturbing Mr. Hyde. Things culminate when Mr. Utterson receives a journal of Dr. Jekyll's that explains Dr. Jekyll's experiment in full.

This is a dark, mysterious read. If would have been full of suspense had I not already known the story. From Mr. Utterson's point of view the things that happen to Dr. Jekyll and involving Mr. Hyde are disturbing and upsetting. It isn't until you read Dr. Jekyll's journal, at the end of the book, detailing his experiments that things get very creepy and a bit spooky.

As a chemist I have to say that the chemistry described in the book and it's affect on Dr. Jekyll is ridiculous. I realize this is a work of fiction however and choose to ignore that, although I had to mention it.

Stevenson's writing is very readable; and the mystery and gloominess pervading the story is distinct. The story is very engaging and I found myself hard-pressed to put the novel down. At times the language is dated and a bit wordy, but I expected that.

Overall I am happy that I read this. It was nice to get the full version of the story and see what all following works were based on. It is a good piece of literature and an enjoyable read. Dr. Jekyll's journal at the end brings up some deeper questions about duplicity of personalities and the good and evil that dwells in all humans; so from that aspect it also gives the reader some food for thought.
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abbykt avatar reviewed The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Other Stories on + 113 more book reviews
I enjoyed all of these short stories. I particularly liked The Body Snatcher and The Suicide Club. There was great suspense in both books and just enough thrilling gore. This was a very fun read.


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