The Readers Review: Literature from 1714 to 1910 discussion

I'm home now (was in Uzbekistan, mainly the rural parts, for a month), so now I can get on here more often!

Welcome to the halfway point.

What do you think of Noel Vanstone?

Why did Magdalen react negatively to Mr. Kirke and his sister?

What do you think about Magdalen's plan to get her fortune back? Is it likely to work? What would you do in her place?

I'm still catching up. It looks like others are the same.

Noel is such an exaggerated character, and his relationship with his housekeeper is odd.

Apparently Magdalen is so beautiful that total strangers fall for her. I am guessing that there will be some connection between Kirke and Frank - like maybe they will be on the same ship and Frank will show him a picture of the girl he loved and lost and Kirke will recognize her. Then he will valiantly give her up to Frank, who doesn't deserve her. Or Kirke will rescue Magdalen from Noel's clutches. And is Magdalen maybe planning to do away with Noel once she gets his money?

This novel certainly moves around, with a feast of English locations scattered across almost all points of the English compass. We started in the sisters’ West Country home, spent a little time in London, then off to Yorkshire in the north and the old city of York. Now we’re on the Suffolk coast at Aldborough (Aldeburgh), about as far east as you can get in England. I am anticipating a possible trip to Northumberland, or maybe even Scotland, but we will have to wait and see.

I can understand Magdalen and her ‘aunt’. being tired after the journey to the Suffolk coast. Aldbrough is absolutely miles from anywhere, and the perfect place to hide for anyone wanting to lay low for a while.

Noel Vanstone seems to me a nervous wreck of a man who has become a puppet in the hands of his scheming housekeeper. She seems vey dangerous indeed and I fear for Magdalen if her identity is revealed. The fact that Noel would become a piece of putty in any hands that control him, gives Magdalen’s plan some chance of success if only the formidable housekeeper could be got out of the way.

Kirke’s reaction to Magdalen was quite provocative because of his overt staring and such an action would have made anyone uncomfortable. He may not have realised that he was giving offence but nevertheless, the fact that he was struck by her beauty should not have resulted in him insulting her. Maybe he was not used to being courteous to women because of his job as a ship’s captain, although having a sister should have taught him better manners.

Magdalen may have been slowly recovering from the devastation of being cast off by the worthless toe rag she had loved. But the last thing she wanted was a mooning lover when she had the hard task of regaining her inheritance to focus upon.

Here is a photo of the beach at Aldborough (Aldeburgh), Suffolk, on the east coast of England, taken in the late 1800s.



……and ‘Crag Path’ one of the walks that Magdalen and her ‘uncle’ might have promenaded along in order to meet Noel Vanstone.



Here is a photo and some links to photos of ‘The Parade’ in the early 1900s



https://photos.francisfrith.com/frith...

https://photos.francisfrith.com/frith...

https://photos.francisfrith.com/frith...

I really appreciated Collins's attention to detail with all the different locations. They all have their own personalities.

This is truly some fun to do a group read!
IDK if I mentioned it, but more than 20 years ago I became sick w/a rare nerve disorder for which there is no cure. I’ve had all the treatments, even 6 neurosurgeries and I failed them all. Due to 24-7 pain, I seldom have a day when I feel up to leaving home.
So due to that unfortunate circumstance and the fact that we were in the process of moving to a new house in a new town,when my condition became much worse, I haven’t had the opportunity to attend any in-person book clubs.
So thank you all for participating. You are improving my quality of life for a few weeks and that’s not hyperbole.

Thank you for your post, Amy! (I hope the short form of your name is ok!) I'm sorry to hear about all your challenges, but it's great that you can participate with us.

I have read a lot of classics, but I'm quite sure I wouldn't have started or completed this one without the group. I have been surprised how unpredictable the story is and how there are multiple strong female characters. Also how there are some gradations in character. Yes, some are just plain mean and awful, but others have mixed qualities.

Thanks for participating, Amy. I hope the books bring you happiness.