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The Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and The Suicide Club
The story gives intense and disturbing expression to Stevenson's lifelong fascination with evil, and it is a measure of his achievement that he successfully demonstrates the seductiveness, as well as the horror of an existence freed of all moral restraint.
176 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1886
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About the author
Robert Louis Stevenson
6,860 books6,952 followersRobert Louis Balfour Stevenson was a Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer, and a leading representative of English literature. He was greatly admired by many authors, including Jorge Luis Borges, Ernest Hemingway, Rudyard Kipling and Vladimir Nabokov.
Most modernist writers dismissed him, however, because he was popular and did not write within their narrow definition of literature. It is only recently that critics have begun to look beyond Stevenson's popularity and allow him a place in the Western canon.
Most modernist writers dismissed him, however, because he was popular and did not write within their narrow definition of literature. It is only recently that critics have begun to look beyond Stevenson's popularity and allow him a place in the Western canon.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 26, 2021
"I have a little shadow
that goes in and out with me
And what can be the use of him
is more than I can see.
He is very, very like me
from the heels up to the head
And I see him jump before me
when I jump into my bed." - Robert Louis Stevenson
I could not help quoting one of my favourite poems from Stevenson's beautiful, mesmerising collection "A Child's Garden Of Verses" in describing just what his greatest, darkest, most hauntingly philosophical and profound work means in totality. We have all read "The Strange Case of Dr. Jeykill and Mr. Hyde" countless number of times and its reputation as a dark moral parable about the eternal battle between God and Satan within the confines of an individual's soul has not even diminished by a margin. And yet, it is when you relate this tight, tautly written, unremittingly unsettling and even meditative novel to Stevenson's own trademark penchant for portraying moral complexity and his own strict Calvinistic upbringing in childhood, not to forget the fascination with human duality and fears of the darkness of night both manifest in his poems and other novels, that you realise just how potent and powerful a story it had always been from the beginning.
It owes its origins, reportedly, to a nightmare that Stevenson experienced one night; he woke up and confessed the same to his wife and then started fleshing the bare bones of his disturbed, distressed imagination into a little novella that is so many things for so many different readers at the same time. A spine-chilling horror story? Yes, it is that already. A mind-numbing mystery that refuses to let the reader up till the final, devastating last page? Yes, no doubt about it. An eerie, electrifying detective story with the most functional means for the most effective excitement and suspense? Yes and unforgettably so. An incisive, atmospheric and lucid portrait of London, of its alternating shades of affluence and depravity, of its dignity and moral perversity? Yes, it is that too.
But even these words fail to do it justice. The simple, pure, elemental terror, unease, dread and even perverse excitement that one feels in reading it, even after nearly a century and a half since it was first published, cannot be describe in mere words, actually. Even in its economy and linearity, the novella packs in the most stealthiest, sneakiest and most devilish surprises that you never see coming even as you read it now and Stevenson's beautiful, elegantly tailored prose, poetic yet precise, inspiring a whole breed of storytellers to model their own style on his balance of drama and detail, like Conrad, Maugham, Buchan, Greene (his own nephew as well), Le Carre and so many more, never ever falters in gripping your attention like a vice.
Paired alongside this inimitable classic is a lesser-known work by Stevenson - a three-act narrative called "The Suicide Club". And while the title would have made the reader feel already uneasy, it is when one starts reading it that one is assuredly aware of being once more in the complete grip of this writer's undeniable skill in balancing genres together. There is macabre humour, there is spine-chilling terror and there is a mounting sense of impending doom and dread but each of the three parts combine together to also cram in more MacGuffins, red herrings, femme fatales, sinister kingpins, daredevil anti-heroes and also a rich, dazzling blend of suspense, intrigue and adventure, than you can find in most films, even by the ones directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Call it, perhaps, the first of those rollicking novels on which Graham Greene modelled his "entertainments" - as intoxicated with a sense of peril and excitement as a glass of whiskey taken neat and also laced with something darker and possibly even fatal.
Two excellent, haunting, atmospheric novellas in one slim edition, packing much more excitement, terror, drama and mystery than most huge blockbuster novels written by the likes of Stephen King. What else can one ask for?
that goes in and out with me
And what can be the use of him
is more than I can see.
He is very, very like me
from the heels up to the head
And I see him jump before me
when I jump into my bed." - Robert Louis Stevenson
I could not help quoting one of my favourite poems from Stevenson's beautiful, mesmerising collection "A Child's Garden Of Verses" in describing just what his greatest, darkest, most hauntingly philosophical and profound work means in totality. We have all read "The Strange Case of Dr. Jeykill and Mr. Hyde" countless number of times and its reputation as a dark moral parable about the eternal battle between God and Satan within the confines of an individual's soul has not even diminished by a margin. And yet, it is when you relate this tight, tautly written, unremittingly unsettling and even meditative novel to Stevenson's own trademark penchant for portraying moral complexity and his own strict Calvinistic upbringing in childhood, not to forget the fascination with human duality and fears of the darkness of night both manifest in his poems and other novels, that you realise just how potent and powerful a story it had always been from the beginning.
It owes its origins, reportedly, to a nightmare that Stevenson experienced one night; he woke up and confessed the same to his wife and then started fleshing the bare bones of his disturbed, distressed imagination into a little novella that is so many things for so many different readers at the same time. A spine-chilling horror story? Yes, it is that already. A mind-numbing mystery that refuses to let the reader up till the final, devastating last page? Yes, no doubt about it. An eerie, electrifying detective story with the most functional means for the most effective excitement and suspense? Yes and unforgettably so. An incisive, atmospheric and lucid portrait of London, of its alternating shades of affluence and depravity, of its dignity and moral perversity? Yes, it is that too.
But even these words fail to do it justice. The simple, pure, elemental terror, unease, dread and even perverse excitement that one feels in reading it, even after nearly a century and a half since it was first published, cannot be describe in mere words, actually. Even in its economy and linearity, the novella packs in the most stealthiest, sneakiest and most devilish surprises that you never see coming even as you read it now and Stevenson's beautiful, elegantly tailored prose, poetic yet precise, inspiring a whole breed of storytellers to model their own style on his balance of drama and detail, like Conrad, Maugham, Buchan, Greene (his own nephew as well), Le Carre and so many more, never ever falters in gripping your attention like a vice.
Paired alongside this inimitable classic is a lesser-known work by Stevenson - a three-act narrative called "The Suicide Club". And while the title would have made the reader feel already uneasy, it is when one starts reading it that one is assuredly aware of being once more in the complete grip of this writer's undeniable skill in balancing genres together. There is macabre humour, there is spine-chilling terror and there is a mounting sense of impending doom and dread but each of the three parts combine together to also cram in more MacGuffins, red herrings, femme fatales, sinister kingpins, daredevil anti-heroes and also a rich, dazzling blend of suspense, intrigue and adventure, than you can find in most films, even by the ones directed by Alfred Hitchcock. Call it, perhaps, the first of those rollicking novels on which Graham Greene modelled his "entertainments" - as intoxicated with a sense of peril and excitement as a glass of whiskey taken neat and also laced with something darker and possibly even fatal.
Two excellent, haunting, atmospheric novellas in one slim edition, packing much more excitement, terror, drama and mystery than most huge blockbuster novels written by the likes of Stephen King. What else can one ask for?
March 14, 2022
Jekyll and Hyde is a great story, it's just a shame it's that famous that you already know the end.
Suicide club started really strong, the 2 main characters are very interesting and the first story was gripping. But the last 2 stories were a bit weaker.
Suicide club started really strong, the 2 main characters are very interesting and the first story was gripping. But the last 2 stories were a bit weaker.
March 9, 2019
Fascinating adventures, but I have to wonder why it’s included in the Puffin Classics series. Some of the Puffin Classics titles are decidedly *not* intended for the Middle Grade set.
June 14, 2016
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is such an old story, I am ashamed to confess I never read the original. I saw the movie adaptations, I read a lot of books on this topic, but never read the original story. And to tell the truth, it was a bit disappointing to me, because in basic, I knew the story. So if I have to rate only the first novel I would probably give 3*.
But then The Suicide Club was introduced and I was hooked. I loved it. The mystery, the moral lesson, the friendship between the Prince and his trusted friend. So 5* for me.
But then The Suicide Club was introduced and I was hooked. I loved it. The mystery, the moral lesson, the friendship between the Prince and his trusted friend. So 5* for me.
November 7, 2020
My lineage biases me, but I enjoyed this two-in-one read.
Although I had heard of "Jekyll and Hyde" (and seen a politician named Hide derided as Hyde) I was not familiar with what the actual story was all about. So it was a rather gripping read, as one was led to think one or other was the villain but the final two chapters somewhat disappointed me, as what was a realistic story of nastiness was flipped into something of a more fantasy / philosophical ending. But I am glad to have finally learnt what the story was about as a result.
I wasn't even familiar with the characters of "The Suicide Club", but enjoyed this tale just as much. Spoiler alert! The part where the villain has the dead brother of the Prince's servant delivered back to the Prince's house in a box was a brilliant plot, fitting of the sort of horrid twists one might expect of a modern Hollywood thriller.
Although I had heard of "Jekyll and Hyde" (and seen a politician named Hide derided as Hyde) I was not familiar with what the actual story was all about. So it was a rather gripping read, as one was led to think one or other was the villain but the final two chapters somewhat disappointed me, as what was a realistic story of nastiness was flipped into something of a more fantasy / philosophical ending. But I am glad to have finally learnt what the story was about as a result.
I wasn't even familiar with the characters of "The Suicide Club", but enjoyed this tale just as much. Spoiler alert! The part where the villain has the dead brother of the Prince's servant delivered back to the Prince's house in a box was a brilliant plot, fitting of the sort of horrid twists one might expect of a modern Hollywood thriller.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2020
Mõlemate lugude puhul on tegemist mõnusate mõttemängudega.
Dr Jekyll ja mr Hyde'i lugu on mulle juba lapsepõlvest tuttav, mäletan, et Hyde'i ohvril trampimine oli üks esimesi võikaid lugemisi.
Enesetapjate klubi jutustus oleks võinud pikem olla.
ps Toimetaja on laisk olnud: päris palju kirjaapsakaid on sisse jäänud.
Dr Jekyll ja mr Hyde'i lugu on mulle juba lapsepõlvest tuttav, mäletan, et Hyde'i ohvril trampimine oli üks esimesi võikaid lugemisi.
Enesetapjate klubi jutustus oleks võinud pikem olla.
ps Toimetaja on laisk olnud: päris palju kirjaapsakaid on sisse jäänud.
May 28, 2022
El club de los suicidas no fue mal relato, me entretuvo y lo terminé rápidamente. Jekyll y Hyde fue una decepción. Lo encaré pensando que me encontraría con otra cosa muy distinta, y no pude empatizar con ningún personaje.
February 5, 2018
Yes. It was great story when first published. But I wonder why Mr Hyde became a killer. Also same reason with the suicide club. Maybe I have to read again.
December 10, 2018
Actual rating: 4.5 stars.
October 22, 2021
“ Mis siis ikka, elada oli meeldiv. Olen seda alati arvanud. Nüüd mõtlen küll, et kui teaksime elust kõike, peaksime sellest lahkumisel lausa rõõmsad olema. ”[45]
May 1, 2024
Un capolavoro!!
July 16, 2010
I read this book in its illustrated, abridged form when I was younger, probably around 9. I remembered the story, but when I started reading the book this time around, I hadn't realized that it was so short! It was only around 70 pages and I read it in one sitting. I knew that I remembered the basic story - someone called Mr. Hyde is causing problems around London, and Mr. Utterson, the narrator, finds out that Hyde has some strange connection with Utterson's friend, Dr. Jekyll. The suspense builds as Utterson learns that Jekyll's will bequeaths his possessions to Hyde upon his death. It's a very imaginative story, although by this point in time Jekyll and Hyde have been made a common part of our culture.
Background: Apparently Robert Louis Stevenson got the idea for the story from a dream. I've always liked that.
Background: Apparently Robert Louis Stevenson got the idea for the story from a dream. I've always liked that.
March 28, 2012
Jekyll and Hyde is a very worthy and fascinating story, but I think it's so well known in pop culture that it didn't hold the shock and surprise that it could have. Not the book's fault, in fact it's a testament that even though I knew what was coming, I still tore through it.
The Suicide Club is great as well. It captures perfectly the sense of detached boredom of London gentlemen and the lengths that they'll go to spice up their lives (or end them). I was especially interested in their sort of honor above all else. Even if it means death, the gentlemen shan't go back on his word! How odd, but great story.
The Suicide Club is great as well. It captures perfectly the sense of detached boredom of London gentlemen and the lengths that they'll go to spice up their lives (or end them). I was especially interested in their sort of honor above all else. Even if it means death, the gentlemen shan't go back on his word! How odd, but great story.
December 1, 2009
A read from a book by Robert Louis Stevenson --- a celebrated English author --- is always a great time, and The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is no different. It’s fascinating. The story, like all of Stevenson’s, is long on vocabulary and short on print, but overflowing with emotion and great story telling. In other stories Stevenson has wrote, about tragedy and sacrifice and this reflects a life of hardship. Robert Louis Stevenson’s stories reside with you long after you have set the book down.
August 24, 2012
This wasn't the exact edition that I read. The collection I read was entitled "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and other stories", published by Collector's Library, in 2004. It contained the stories of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, The Bodysnatchers, Olalla, Markheim, and The Suicide Club, as well as an Afterward, a Further Reading, and a short biography on Robert Louis Stevenson.
Stevenson's conveyance of fear is thrilling to read. The only other author I'm familiar with who can write terror on the same level is Poe.
Stevenson's conveyance of fear is thrilling to read. The only other author I'm familiar with who can write terror on the same level is Poe.
July 9, 2010
Not quite what I expected for some reason. Of all the adaptations I have heard and/or watched for some reason change elements of the story to make it seem more sinister. I was pleasantly surprised and thoroughly enjoyed that it was narrated by Mr. Utterson. A charming little story that has left me looking for more, and frankly what else would you want for a short story?
Suicide Club was equally interesting but not a masterpeice as Dr. Jekyll's story was.
Suicide Club was equally interesting but not a masterpeice as Dr. Jekyll's story was.
January 22, 2013
Robert Louis Stevens' best works by far(of what I have read of him). Dr. Jekyll, of course already has its deserved acclaim and is a worthwhile read despite the well known story line. The Suicide Club offers a gripping ride that has impressive moments of suspension and creates some investing characters. Of everything I have read from Stevens these are really the only two things I found of much value but I do feel they deserve some praise.
May 17, 2013
Honestly, The novel didn't meet my expectation.
I expected the fight between Good & Evil to be more deep & sophisticated.
May be I was wrong to build such expection as actually this book is more than 1 Century Old & by then discussing such issue was a breakthrough ! But for now, hundreds of books and movies have discussed the conflict more profoundly.
I expected the fight between Good & Evil to be more deep & sophisticated.
May be I was wrong to build such expection as actually this book is more than 1 Century Old & by then discussing such issue was a breakthrough ! But for now, hundreds of books and movies have discussed the conflict more profoundly.
February 16, 2009
The Strange Case of Dr. Jeckyll and Mr Hide - 4 stars
The Suicide Club - 3 stars
The Suicide Club - 3 stars
December 20, 2008
Great stories!
January 5, 2009
I actually enjoyed Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde but really liked the short stories about The Suicide Club even more.
July 13, 2009
I always want to like "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" but every time I read it, it only become more unbearable.
June 24, 2009
If you want to read two disturbing books... these are what i'd probably recommend to you.
December 11, 2009
Why hadn't I read read this amazing, complicated and classy written novel before? Talented writer is an understatement of immense proportions.
August 1, 2012
Certi classici vanno letti almeno per capire quanto di vero ci sia nell'iconografia da essi derivata. Questo è uno di quei casi. Bello, veramente bello.
September 28, 2012
Libro molto carino. Consiglio di leggerlo in
lingua originale perchè, come in molti altri
casi, rende di più l'idea dell'autore.
lingua originale perchè, come in molti altri
casi, rende di più l'idea dell'autore.
April 26, 2013
"If he be Mr Hyde...I shall be Mr Seek." Haha shut uppp.
I would have given this three stars, but I gave it an additional star merely because it's a classic.
I would have given this three stars, but I gave it an additional star merely because it's a classic.
December 27, 2014
I liked Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde but The Suicide Club is even more interesting. They're all short stories but are interesting to read and enjoyable.
April 8, 2016
The Frankenstein of the chemical laboratory... But then I have not read Frankenstein, so perhaps, he was created through chemistry you too. This one was definitely quirky.
November 2, 2009
My Halloween book. A respectable doctor by day, a back alley roamer by night.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews