Reviews

William Wilson by Edgar Allan Poe

hen518468's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

4.0

lisyda's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

A short story by the great Poe that, as I understand, is also the prototype story for later works that work with the concept of doppelgängers/doubles. Read for a book club in September.

*spoilery thoughts ahead*

To me, it felt quite clear that William's double was sort of a physical manifestation or reflection of his conscience. And the story itself reminded me of a kind of reverse Dorian Gray situation, where instead of being a reflection of all his vices, the double was a kind of externalised "portrait" for all the goodness and kindness in William.

*end of spoilery thoughts*

Definitely worth a read if you like Poe, classics, and discovering "the original" stories that have helped influence and shape modern literature.

thelowkeylibrary's review against another edition

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3.0

A short and haunting story exploring themes of conscience, duality and identity.
Undeniably the blueprint for works such as The Picture of Dorian Gray, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde etc.

shintaf's review against another edition

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4.0

4/5 stars read. Such a creepy and claver short story about William and his doppelganger and I really enjoyed the story. Actually this is my first time reading about doppelanger type of story, so it confused me a little bit on the beginning, but so far it was good. And the ending was so....... what can I say?? interesting? unique?

anyways, this is so good and unique. I love it.

katbert's review against another edition

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3.5

im just so confused

pershephone's review against another edition

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2.0

oricat de dezamagita m-a lasat povestea asta nu va topui niciodata esecul acestei adaptari
si ce e si mai amuzant e ca din spirit of the dead cred ca a fost cea mai buna parte
ura pentru actorii nazisti care arata bine si pentru peruci ieftine

oddly_audrey's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

mummelhummel's review against another edition

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challenging mysterious

2.5

killuen's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

3.5

charlottesometimes's review against another edition

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challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25