Book Rating: ★★★★✰ (4 / 5 stars)
Audio Book Performance: ★★★★✰ (4 / 5 stars)
We all know the story: Dr. Jekyll created Hyde, the embodiment of the darkest depths of his soul. It has forever left its mark on popular culture, inspiring superheroes (looking at you, the Incredible Hulk) as well as songs such as The Stranger by Billy Joel. Even if you haven’t heard the original tale, without a doubt, you have seen the inspiration.
This is a tale about the darkness inside all of us. Even though Dr. Jekyll undergoes a horrific transformation, the truth is, Hyde is always there. Jekyll realizes this, and as he leaves his last confession, he goes as far as to admit he was scared of himself all along. Perhaps, really, we need to be aware of our negative sides, take stock of the impact they leave, and remember they are part of human nature. Then, our Mr. Hyde’s will not be as gruesome. Perhaps, they’ll learn to live in harmony with our true selves.
As with a lot of classics, sometimes I find myself waiting for the story to speed up. In this case, I’m not sure if I can blame the writing or author, or possibly the audiobook narrator. Ultimately though, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is exactly the story I knew, but now…I know it at the source.
I’m so glad I read (well, listened) to this book at the start of the year. It really is the starting point for so many tropes about the two sides of every coin…and how we must learn to embrace our darkness in order to tame it.
What’s it about?
Robert Louis Stevenson presents the suspenseful, eerie and captivating story of a ruthless scientist who sets out to liberate his inner demon from the firm clutches of his conscience.
Upon bearing witness to the extent of Mr Hyde’s violent nature, Jekyll is horrified by his callous disregard for the welfare of others and greatly ashamed by the unstoppable nature of his ambition.
Eager to redeem himself, Jekyll sets out to capture and stop the bloodthirsty Mr Hyde, by any means necessary. However, in keeping with true gothic tradition, Dr Jekyll must now face a race against time as damning evidence is uncovered, and the investigating detectives and interested parties are brought right to his door.
E.S. Barrison 