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A review by quitegood
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
I was inspired to read this book on a whim after watching a clip from 2004 action film Van Helsing which festured the Mr. Hyde scene, and wondered "How much has Holywood bastardised this character?" so upon learning the original text was a novella and cheap to buy, got myself a copy.
From a comparison point of view, reading this book was fascinating, and seeing how many liberties have been taken with the original concept over the years. I think the Incredible Hulk is possibly the best adaptation of the story, and every subsequent interpretation just copies from the Hulk. As for the actual text, its surprisingly nuanced in places but also laughably inaccurate from a modern perspective.
That all said, don't feel obliged to actually read this. While it has some fascinating ideas, the execution is just boring. I get that I'm over a hundred years removed from this literary style, but that doesn't erase the fact to a modern audience this book is very dull. I found this book fascinating as a thing of study, but as an actual narrative, its paced strangely and has no real characters, and the moments of 'terror' are so quaint by today's standards.
Am I condemning a book because it doesn't measure up to books that have had decades of literary theory to build upon and improve? No. I'm saying don't feel compelled to read this as it is classic, you'll likely be disappointed.
I am going to see if there are any modern retellings of this, fleshing out the characters. This story is ripe for a queer retelling.
From a comparison point of view, reading this book was fascinating, and seeing how many liberties have been taken with the original concept over the years. I think the Incredible Hulk is possibly the best adaptation of the story, and every subsequent interpretation just copies from the Hulk. As for the actual text, its surprisingly nuanced in places but also laughably inaccurate from a modern perspective.
That all said, don't feel obliged to actually read this. While it has some fascinating ideas, the execution is just boring. I get that I'm over a hundred years removed from this literary style, but that doesn't erase the fact to a modern audience this book is very dull. I found this book fascinating as a thing of study, but as an actual narrative, its paced strangely and has no real characters, and the moments of 'terror' are so quaint by today's standards.
Am I condemning a book because it doesn't measure up to books that have had decades of literary theory to build upon and improve? No. I'm saying don't feel compelled to read this as it is classic, you'll likely be disappointed.
I am going to see if there are any modern retellings of this, fleshing out the characters. This story is ripe for a queer retelling.
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide