The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Robert Louis Stevenson
Kindle Edition: May 2006
This is another classic that had been lingering on my "To Read List" for
far too long. Well, no longer my friends. And I must admit, I enjoyed
it a lot. It was an "easy" read which is not something one can often
say about books of this time period (Well, for me at least). And it was a great psychological "thriller." (I struggle with a correct word to use, because the twist is common knowledge, but even that doesn't ruin it for me). Paving the way for many future dual personality tales, Stevenson's short story rises above and stands alone. Jekyll's dualities are presented through his friend and lawyer, Mr. Utterson as Utterson tries to determine his friend's odd behavior; namely a will that leaves the good doctor's fortune to a known delinquent, Mr. Hyde. While the modern reader is unlikely to be shocked as Jekyll's dark side rises up to consume him, it did provide food for thought. I liken it to Oscar Wilde's, The Picture of Dorian Grey, in that both of the title characters are "wholesome" and charitable, but yet are devoured by their weakness for carnality, until they are unrecognizable. Although we may not have a potion or portrait to set loose our depravity, Dr. Jekyll is a cautionary tale about how strong the dark side can be.
*** Up Next" Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James ***
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