classic author

Book Review: Heart of Midlothian

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The Heart of Midlothian by Walter Scott

The Heart of Midlothian
by Walter Scott

4 out of 5 stars

Jeanie Deans is horrified to learn that her sister, Effie, has been arrested on a charge of child-murder. Effie insists that she is innocent and that her baby was taken from her immediately after his birth. Effie refuses to tell anyone who the father is. The lawyers assure Jeanie that there is a loophole in the law and that if Jeanie will only testify that her sister told her about the pregnancy before the child was born, then Effie cannot be prosecuted under the law. But Jeanie is from a staunchly religious family and she feels that she cannot tell a lie under oath. Effie is condemned to death, and Jeanie undertakes a long and dangerous journey to London to seek a pardon directly from the king.

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Book Review: Hickory Dickory Dock

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Hickory Dickory Dock by Agatha Christie

Hickory Dickory Dock (Hercule Poirot, #34)
by Agatha Christie

4.5 out of 5 stars

Hercule Poirot’s efficient secretary Miss Lemon is upset and distracted, because there have been some strange thefts at the student hostel that her sister runs. Poirot agrees to investigate the petty thefts to help out Miss Lemon’s sister, Mrs. Hubbard. At first it seems like random little things that have gone missing, but there are a few items that stand out from the list: a valuable doctor’s stethoscope, a diamond ring, a rucksack that was slashed to pieces, and all the lightbulbs in the common rooms. Only Poirot can sift through the clues and find a connection between the missing items. He begins to find out more about the students who board at the hostel, wondering which of them could be thief, or perhaps… a murderer.

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Book Review: As You Like It

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As You Like It by William Shakespeare

As You Like It
by William Shakespeare

5 out of 5 stars

Rosalind sees a young man, Orlando, fighting in a wrestling match and falls in love. Orlando is equally smitten by her loveliness. Rosalind is banished from the court by her uncle who has usurped the dukedom. Rosalind’s cousin, Celia, cannot bear to be parted from her, so the two ladies escape together searching for Rosalind’s banished father in the Forest of Arden. Orlando is fleeing for his life, after his own brother has tried to have him killed, and he also escapes into the Forest of Arden. Hilarity ensues.

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Classic Book Review: Evelina

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Evelina by Frances Burney

Evelina
by Frances Burney

4 out of 5 stars

Evelina is a naive young lady, entering society for the first time. She has been raised and carefully educated in the country by her affectionate guardian, but now her rich relations begin to show an interest in her. Evelina travels to London where she meets a wide variety of people, not all of them exactly nice. Evelina finds herself in a kind of culture shock as she tries to navigate the different manners of high society in London, but her sweetness and good nature will always win her friends no matter where she goes.

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Book Review: Under the Lilacs

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Under the Lilacs by Louisa May Alcott

Under the Lilacs
by Louisa May Alcott

4.5 out of 5 stars

Ben has run away from the circus, and he finds compassion and generosity in the house under the lilacs. He is basically adopted by Miss Celia and her brother, Thorny, and while he is grateful for their kindness, it’s difficult for Ben to adapt to a country life after all the excitement and thrills of traveling with the circus.

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Book Review: Kenilworth

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Kenilworth by Walter Scott

Kenilworth
by Walter Scott

4 out of 5 stars

Robert Dudley, the Earl of Lancashire, has a secret marriage with Amy Robsart. He is keeping it hidden from Queen Elizabeth I, hoping to win favor at court and perhaps a crown of his own. His lies are supported by his evil servant, Varney, who schemes on his behalf. Together they keep Amy locked up at Cumnor Place, hiding her from the world. The noble Tressilian discovers their plots and tries to assist Amy, but she loves her husband and won’t move against him. At court, Walter Raleigh gains the favor of the Queen, and famously lays down his cloak over the mud for her. Tressilian tries to present a case against the Earl of Lancashire at court, but his plans are foiled by the scheming Varney.

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Book Review: Short Stories from Robert Louis Stevenson

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The Rajah's Diamond by Robert Louis Stevenson

The Rajah’s Diamond
by Robert Louis Stevenson

4 out of 5 stars

A British General receives a large diamond for services performed for a Rajah during a foreign war. The diamond tempts everyone who comes into contact with it, ruining their lives. The general, his wife, her secretary, a clergyman, a landlord, a bank clerk, and finally a prince all own the diamond for a short time. Their destinies are intertwined; their lives forever changed.

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Classic Review: Tale of Two Cities

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A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens

A Tale of Two Cities
by Charles Dickens

5 out of 5 stars

Dr. Manette is released from the Bastille after years of unlawful incarceration. He is restored to health by his daughter, Lucie, and they live happily in England. Lucie is courted by a young man calling himself Charles Darnay to hide to his noble family name. When the French Revolution takes hold of Paris, Charles Darnay returns to help an old servant who is in trouble, and he is embroiled in the violence of the revolution. Lucie and Dr. Manette travel from London to Paris, but the tides of the revolution are stronger than they imagine.

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Penguin Clothbound Classics: Jane Austen Complete Boxed Set

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I received the Penguin Clothbound Classics Jane Austen boxed set for free from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. I’m so grateful to Penguin for sending me these beautiful editions!

Not only are the covers absolutely gorgeous, the box itself is beautiful too! I love that each book has a ribbon bookmark attached. Each book has a scholarly introduction, a timeline of Jane Austen’s life, and lengthy notes at the end explaining aspects of Regency history like money, class, marriage, titles, and everyday life.

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Classic Book Review: David Copperfield

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David Copperfield by Charles Dickens

David Copperfield
by Charles Dickens

5 of 5 stars

David Copperfield relates the history of his life from his birth to adulthood. We follow him through his childhood and school years, his romantic attachments, his professional career, and his family connections. David begins life with his affectionate mother and his loyal nurse, Peggoty. But a new person enters David’s life and destroys their happiness. David has many troubles and challenges before he meets with his aunt, Betsy Trotwood, who takes him under her wing to be educated. David’s life is populated with heroes and villains, each with unique personalities. As their drama unfolds, David stands at the center of it all.

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