I've been interested to read a bunch of classics lately, and this was one of the most anticipated ones. Most of the classics out there are quite diffiI've been interested to read a bunch of classics lately, and this was one of the most anticipated ones. Most of the classics out there are quite difficult to read because of the writing, but this one didn't have that common problem. The writing is not that hard to get used to. There are a lot of unfamiliar and complex words, but isn't that one of the great things about reading? You enjoy and learn at the same time.
The plot is timeless, and I'm a sucker for good vs. evil plots. It's a risky subject to tackle on though, because it can lead to certain annoying cliches. This novel was written in the 1800s, and it should be considered an original work. The plot didn't feel cliche to me at all, on the contrary, it felt original and terrific. Dr. Jekyll represents the good side of humanity, while Mr. Hyde represents the dark and evil side. What Stevenson tries to convey is that the evil side will always resurface no matter how hard you try to bury it deep inside. You can only fool yourself if you think that there can only be good in the world. Sooner or later that evil side will start creeping back and overpowering the good. It's human nature to be filled with evil desires, and it's how we suppress it that matters. This is not the first good vs. evil book I've read, but it is one of the good ones. Nothing has beaten The Stand by Stephen King though, so I might be a bit biased when it comes to this particular topic.
4/5 stars. Splendid writing coupled with a terrific plot. I'm not quite sure why I'm so drawn to Classics lately, but I'm glad that I've read good ones to start with....more