Oxford world’s classics have a new edition of ‘Lady Audley’s
Secret’ out which is worth celebrating, and perhaps more to the point, reading.
Lady Audley was love from the first page for me, I’m only sorry I didn’t read
it when I first picked it up twenty years ago. It would appear that I’m
programmed to enjoy sensation fiction but even so Lady Audley is something a
bit special – within the framework of attempted murder, hidden identity, disappearances,
blackmail, insanity, and arson there is a subversive message that the
villainess is perhaps as much sinned against as sinning, and the hero isn’t
such an appealing character either.
This was one of the first books I blogged about (here) in
the two years since I’ve read plenty more sensation fiction but nothing better,
more complex, subtler, or thought provoking. This book really should be better
known and more appreciated and so (ahem) if you only read one Victorian novel
this year please make it ‘Lady Audley’s Secret’...
I completely agree - it's an absolute cracker of a read. Loved it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a gorgeous new edition. I agree with you, MEB & Wilkie Collins are the Queen & King of Sensation Fiction & Lady Audley just bowled me over when I read it years ago.
ReplyDeleteWell well. I just found this in a charity shop! I
ReplyDeleteshall start it today x
A great tribute to a novel I also love. Very good news about the new edition! I want it for the introduction alone, as they always have such excellent ones. I really hope to see more of MEB's work come back into print. I've read a couple more of her novels, and they were all so interesting.
ReplyDeleteSkiourophile and Lyn - I'm beginning to think of it a s a cult novel with a dedicated following of committed fans. I just wish it could break back out into the mainstream.
ReplyDeleteRuby, give it a go (did you get the virago edition?) bet you love it!
Nymeth, I've read Aurora Floyd which was okay but not quite as good and have a couple of others lurking. I would like to see more of her in print just out of general curiosity. Lady Audley however is so good I think it deserves a lot more attention - and a decent tv or film version.
I have just been sent a copy of this edition which arrived yesterday so your post is perfectly time. WIll read - promise
ReplyDeleteI can't remember how I stumbled over this novel, but I read it on Project Gutenberg, and thought I was the only living fan. Then I discovered it was actually in print, and thus presumably on undergraduate reading lists somewhere, and felt foolish.
ReplyDeleteI must get this out - I have it in VMC. Aurura Floyd was a bit of a struggle, mainly with the small print, but everyone says that Lady Audley is better.
ReplyDeleteVerity, it's definitely better. I can't promise that you'll love it because I know Victoriana isn't your thing but if you can suspend your disbelief it's great fun.
ReplyDeleteElaine, hope you enjoy.
Roberta - it shouldn't just be for students. Definitely a cult classic.
Oh alright then you convinced me. I will make sure I read this in 2012. I've owned a copy for years but just never got around to it. Think I am probably a bit intimidated by it if I have to be honest.
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