On an impromptu scrounge through a second hand bookshop, I came across The Moonstone by Wilkie Collins. I enjoyed his mystery novel The Woman in White last year, so I pounced. I can safely say that Mr Collins did not disappoint. This will be book 12 of the 24 in 2024 challenge, marking the halfway point of the challenge as well as the year.
Plot summary
A glorious yellow diamond is stolen from the shrine of an Indian god. It makes its way to England, dogged by death, mystery and misfortune. The man who stole it bequeaths it to his niece on his death, hoping that the curse of the diamond will be visited on her, in revenge for his family’s rejection of him.
The very first night that the lady receives the diamond it is stolen, leading to a complex trail of false accusations, inexplicable mystery and good old fashioned romance.
Great fun with some wacky historical elements
I really enjoyed this book. It wasn’t quite as thought-provoking or complex as The Woman in White, but I think I almost enjoyed it more because of that. There’s a great romance running through the book, as well as some delightful characters who take turns narrating their part of the story.
The explanation for the mystery is a little … far-fetched. But I’d also say it’s just so 1800s. It’s got loads of wacky historical elements that today seem so out there, but I guess weren’t seen as that crazy in 1868. And that’s fun too. To read these books like time capsules and marvel at how times have changed. And how they have not.
I think that’s part of why I like old book so much. They carry you away to a different world, but not in the same way that fantasy does. It is, after all, the same world I’m in now. But going back in time makes such a difference. You can relate to and understand the characters. You can reflect on the constant and the ephemeral in human life. And yet, it’s different. That world is gone forever, locked in the past. Which makes it a wonderful place for the imagination to take flight as you track a diamond or root for your horse in the love triangle.
And at the end of the day, who doesn’t want a bit of escapism? Especially when it looks so impressive to people on the train. 😉
