Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Oxford University Press, USA (2012), Edition: Reissue, Paperback, 496 pages
Description
Classic Literature. Fiction. HTML: Lady Audley's Secret was one of the first and most successful sensation novels of the late 19th century. A young gentleman of leisure, Robert Audley, is spurred into action when his friend Geroge Talboys goes missing from Audley Court. As an amateur detective, Robert travels the length and breadth of the country, only to discover that the answer to the mystery lies in the true identity of his uncle's wife, Lady Audley. True to its genre, the novel brings danger home to the private sphere of the country house and questions the unassailable boundaries of class. It is also a strident feminine criticism of the times, though debate still rages as to whether Braddon tidies her questions away too neatly at the end of the novel..… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member lauralkeet
When Sir Michael Audley married former governess Lucy Graham, it caused quite a stir in his family. His new wife was closer in age to his adult daughter Alicia, and his nephew Robert was captivated by Lady Audley's beauty. Robert is a London barrister (although he doesn't appear to actually do any
This book can be enjoyed on two different levels. First, as a mystery and period piece, it is delightful. There's a huge old mansion with elaborate gardens and secret passageways (modeled, I suspect, on Audley End House in Essex), characters with similar features who can easily be mistaken for one another, and servants who are able to gain the upper hand over the gentry. Braddon employs considerable wit in her writing. She uses a talkative child to show key plot details, just as children often let family secrets slip. She describes even the most ancillary characters and situations with great detail and a touch of humor, such as this description of a landlady living in "dreary" Yorkshire:
Mrs. Barkamb, a comfortable matron of about sixty years of age, was sitting in an arm-chair before a bright fire burning in a grate that was resplendent with newly-polished black lead. An elderly terrier, whose black-and-tan coat was thickly sprinkled with grey, reposed in Mrs. Barkamb's lap. Every object in the quiet sitting-room had an elderly aspect; that aspect of simple comfort and precision which is the outward evidence of inward repose.
"I should like to live here," Robert thought, "and watch the grey sea slowly rolling over the grey sand under the still grey sky. I should like to live here, and tell the beads upon my rosary, and repent and rest."
He seated himself in the arm-chair opposite Mrs. Barkamb, at that lady's invitation, and placed his hat upon the ground. The elderly terrier descended from his mistress's lap to bark at and otherwise take objection to this hat. (p. 212)
Then, after I finished the book, I read Jennifer Uglow's introduction to my Virago Modern Classics edition, published in 1985. The introduction highlights themes and deeper meanings, including the changing role of women in 1850s society. Uglow wrote, "Beneath the zestful, witty melodrama Lady Audley's Secret is a novel about men's fear of women's power, and about their efforts to destroy that power by denying female sexuality, by caging women in theories of reason and madness, by depriving them of education and careers, by burying them in stifling marriages and choking them with the ideology of the happy home." Armed with this insight, I retraced the events in Lady Audley's Secret and derived even more meaning and enjoyment from this book.
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work), and one day he runs into an old friend, George Talboys, recently returned from three years in Australia. George is shocked to learn that his wife passed away just a few days before his arrival in England, and turns to Robert for support. Robert takes George to Audley Court, his uncle's estate, in the hopes that spending time in the countryside will lift his spirits. A few days later, George disappears without a trace. Robert embarks upon an investigation that takes him from Essex to Southampton, and then to Yorkshire, as he collects and assembles the puzzle pieces of George's life.This book can be enjoyed on two different levels. First, as a mystery and period piece, it is delightful. There's a huge old mansion with elaborate gardens and secret passageways (modeled, I suspect, on Audley End House in Essex), characters with similar features who can easily be mistaken for one another, and servants who are able to gain the upper hand over the gentry. Braddon employs considerable wit in her writing. She uses a talkative child to show key plot details, just as children often let family secrets slip. She describes even the most ancillary characters and situations with great detail and a touch of humor, such as this description of a landlady living in "dreary" Yorkshire:
Mrs. Barkamb, a comfortable matron of about sixty years of age, was sitting in an arm-chair before a bright fire burning in a grate that was resplendent with newly-polished black lead. An elderly terrier, whose black-and-tan coat was thickly sprinkled with grey, reposed in Mrs. Barkamb's lap. Every object in the quiet sitting-room had an elderly aspect; that aspect of simple comfort and precision which is the outward evidence of inward repose.
"I should like to live here," Robert thought, "and watch the grey sea slowly rolling over the grey sand under the still grey sky. I should like to live here, and tell the beads upon my rosary, and repent and rest."
He seated himself in the arm-chair opposite Mrs. Barkamb, at that lady's invitation, and placed his hat upon the ground. The elderly terrier descended from his mistress's lap to bark at and otherwise take objection to this hat. (p. 212)
Then, after I finished the book, I read Jennifer Uglow's introduction to my Virago Modern Classics edition, published in 1985. The introduction highlights themes and deeper meanings, including the changing role of women in 1850s society. Uglow wrote, "Beneath the zestful, witty melodrama Lady Audley's Secret is a novel about men's fear of women's power, and about their efforts to destroy that power by denying female sexuality, by caging women in theories of reason and madness, by depriving them of education and careers, by burying them in stifling marriages and choking them with the ideology of the happy home." Armed with this insight, I retraced the events in Lady Audley's Secret and derived even more meaning and enjoyment from this book.
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LibraryThing member atimco
Lady Audley's Secret, first published in 1862, is a sensationalist Victorian thriller and Mary Elizabeth Braddon's most famous novel. Braddon was a contemporary of Wilkie Collins and Charles Dickens, and while Lady Audley's Secret is not quite up to the standard of Collins' best work, it is a
Robert Audley is a lethargic barrister whose wealthy uncle Sir Michael Audley has recently married a young governess named Lucy Graham. Robert has heard much of the new Lady Audley's beauty and winning ways, and decides to pay his uncle and adult cousin Alicia a visit. He brings his friend George Talboys, who has lately returned from Australia's gold fields only to learn that his wife Helen just died. While they are at Audley Court, George mysteriously disappears. Robert is certain that George was murdered, but why would anyone want to kill the disconsolate widower? Though naturally of an indolent temperament, Robert finds himself spurred into action on behalf of his friend. But as he digs into the past of his new aunt, Robert realizes that there can be no happy ending, even if justice is served.
The mystery isn't really what you think... the culprit and the crime are pretty clear from the start, and Braddon takes only the most basic and obligatory precautions to shield the identity of the criminal from the reader as the story unfolds. But there is a twist that I wasn't expecting. I'll just say that the scene in which it is revealed is reminiscent of Collins in a particularly melodramatic mood.
Lady Audley is a fairly well-written character, though she lacks the menace of Austen's Lady Susan Vernon. At the end the doctor describes her as having the cunning of madness with the intelligence of sanity, a dangerous combination. I found Braddon's view of women to be somewhat obscure. Several of her female characters in this story are inveterate plotters; some are clever with the luck of impulse and emotion; some are honest and true; some are passionate and compelling. I was struck with Braddon's description of the bitter quarrels between women; at one point Robert muses "how eager these women are to betray one another!" I can see why some critics read a feminist subtext into the story, but it's hard to believe that Braddon herself would condone Lady Audley's actions in the name of women's liberation. And some of the other feminist ideas, that the book is all about caged female sexuality and such, seem a bit eisegetical to me.
What is a Victorian novel without its digressions? Braddon is very conscious of hers and adds them in with a flourish. For the most part they were well written in themselves, but somehow didn't mesh seamlessly with the story. They could have been excised from the story with no disruption to the flow of the narrative, and I don't think the same could be said of the digressive flights of similar authors. I'm not advocating their omission, just noting how noticeable they were in the pattern of the story.
Lady Audley's Secret is sensational not just for the suspense but also for its inversion of so many Victorian ideals about the angelically beautiful mistress of the home. While I did not love it, I found it fairly enjoyable. I'll probably look for more of Braddon's many novels.
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respectable addition to the genre of Victorian potboilers. Despite — or perhaps because of — its scandalous content, it was extremely popular when it was published and remains a favorite with many readers today.Robert Audley is a lethargic barrister whose wealthy uncle Sir Michael Audley has recently married a young governess named Lucy Graham. Robert has heard much of the new Lady Audley's beauty and winning ways, and decides to pay his uncle and adult cousin Alicia a visit. He brings his friend George Talboys, who has lately returned from Australia's gold fields only to learn that his wife Helen just died. While they are at Audley Court, George mysteriously disappears. Robert is certain that George was murdered, but why would anyone want to kill the disconsolate widower? Though naturally of an indolent temperament, Robert finds himself spurred into action on behalf of his friend. But as he digs into the past of his new aunt, Robert realizes that there can be no happy ending, even if justice is served.
The mystery isn't really what you think... the culprit and the crime are pretty clear from the start, and Braddon takes only the most basic and obligatory precautions to shield the identity of the criminal from the reader as the story unfolds. But there is a twist that I wasn't expecting. I'll just say that the scene in which it is revealed is reminiscent of Collins in a particularly melodramatic mood.
Lady Audley is a fairly well-written character, though she lacks the menace of Austen's Lady Susan Vernon. At the end the doctor describes her as having the cunning of madness with the intelligence of sanity, a dangerous combination. I found Braddon's view of women to be somewhat obscure. Several of her female characters in this story are inveterate plotters; some are clever with the luck of impulse and emotion; some are honest and true; some are passionate and compelling. I was struck with Braddon's description of the bitter quarrels between women; at one point Robert muses "how eager these women are to betray one another!" I can see why some critics read a feminist subtext into the story, but it's hard to believe that Braddon herself would condone Lady Audley's actions in the name of women's liberation. And some of the other feminist ideas, that the book is all about caged female sexuality and such, seem a bit eisegetical to me.
What is a Victorian novel without its digressions? Braddon is very conscious of hers and adds them in with a flourish. For the most part they were well written in themselves, but somehow didn't mesh seamlessly with the story. They could have been excised from the story with no disruption to the flow of the narrative, and I don't think the same could be said of the digressive flights of similar authors. I'm not advocating their omission, just noting how noticeable they were in the pattern of the story.
Lady Audley's Secret is sensational not just for the suspense but also for its inversion of so many Victorian ideals about the angelically beautiful mistress of the home. While I did not love it, I found it fairly enjoyable. I'll probably look for more of Braddon's many novels.
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LibraryThing member AdonisGuilfoyle
There are three ways to read this book: directly, as a Victorian sensation novel; historically, as a contemporary account of the language, society and literary tastes of another era; or as a feminist diatribe about the physical and legal oppression of women in the 1850s. I began in the first camp,
Lady Audley is not a feminist heroine, or even a worthy villainess/black widow figure - compared to Beatrice Lacey in Philippa Gregory's 'Wideacre', or Du Maurier's Rebecca, she's barely even wicked! She is just selfish and cold-hearted, driven not by passion but by greed, and perpetrating the same wrongs that she accuses others of - and even when she raises herself above the poverty she was born into, she is not content. I didn't feel one whit of sympathy for her, or admire her audacity and cunning - perhaps because she was but poorly drawn as an antagonist. I'm sure Braddon was being bitterly ironic in painting the 'poor little woman' as a 'childlike' caricature of the Victorian 'angel in the house', replete with golden hair, wide blue eyes and a laugh like the 'peal of silvery bells', who blames her misdeeds on a fit of womanly hysteria, but not even the contrast of a sociopathic alter ego was enough to hold my interest in her pretty ways and constant rambling soliloquies. I love 'femmes fatales' and bewitching heroines, but Lady Audley is neither.
Robert Audley, however, is a gem! He's a delightful if rather slapdash detective, raised out of his normal torpor as a barrister by name and professional flaneur by the disappearance of his friend, George Talboys. Granted, he does become a little wearisome during his monomaniacal quest for justice, and his habit of confiding in Lady Audley as a device to move the action along can be infuriating, but the matching of wits is engrossing to follow, despite the anticlimax of the outcome (I was hoping for a switch of identities, or an escape from punishment, but no - justice is served, and happy endings all round!)
Read as it is, 'Lady Audley's Secret' is an entertaining light read (especially when divested of all introductions and footnotes in the attractive and highly readable Pocket Penguin Classics edition), full of the usual tropes of Victorian novels - gothic settings, melodrama, repressed sensuality, madness and death. Robert Audley is a dashing hero, and his cousin Alicia is an ascerbic yet attractive Marian Halcombe foil for his moody obsessions and nice-but-dim personality. There are some lush descriptions of Audley Court and Robert's bachelor pad in the city (stocked with French novels, canaries and stray dogs - make of that what you will), as well as an atmospheric application of storms, dark nights and fire. The social context of the novel is worth considering - wives were basically the possessions of their husbands, with limited respectable alternatives for living independently - but reading the story and not the subtext is much more fun!
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yet could definitely appreciate the social injustice of the time Mary Braddon was writing about by the end, and thoroughly enjoyed the story!Lady Audley is not a feminist heroine, or even a worthy villainess/black widow figure - compared to Beatrice Lacey in Philippa Gregory's 'Wideacre', or Du Maurier's Rebecca, she's barely even wicked! She is just selfish and cold-hearted, driven not by passion but by greed, and perpetrating the same wrongs that she accuses others of - and even when she raises herself above the poverty she was born into, she is not content. I didn't feel one whit of sympathy for her, or admire her audacity and cunning - perhaps because she was but poorly drawn as an antagonist. I'm sure Braddon was being bitterly ironic in painting the 'poor little woman' as a 'childlike' caricature of the Victorian 'angel in the house', replete with golden hair, wide blue eyes and a laugh like the 'peal of silvery bells', who blames her misdeeds on a fit of womanly hysteria, but not even the contrast of a sociopathic alter ego was enough to hold my interest in her pretty ways and constant rambling soliloquies. I love 'femmes fatales' and bewitching heroines, but Lady Audley is neither.
Robert Audley, however, is a gem! He's a delightful if rather slapdash detective, raised out of his normal torpor as a barrister by name and professional flaneur by the disappearance of his friend, George Talboys. Granted, he does become a little wearisome during his monomaniacal quest for justice, and his habit of confiding in Lady Audley as a device to move the action along can be infuriating, but the matching of wits is engrossing to follow, despite the anticlimax of the outcome (I was hoping for a switch of identities, or an escape from punishment, but no - justice is served, and happy endings all round!)
Read as it is, 'Lady Audley's Secret' is an entertaining light read (especially when divested of all introductions and footnotes in the attractive and highly readable Pocket Penguin Classics edition), full of the usual tropes of Victorian novels - gothic settings, melodrama, repressed sensuality, madness and death. Robert Audley is a dashing hero, and his cousin Alicia is an ascerbic yet attractive Marian Halcombe foil for his moody obsessions and nice-but-dim personality. There are some lush descriptions of Audley Court and Robert's bachelor pad in the city (stocked with French novels, canaries and stray dogs - make of that what you will), as well as an atmospheric application of storms, dark nights and fire. The social context of the novel is worth considering - wives were basically the possessions of their husbands, with limited respectable alternatives for living independently - but reading the story and not the subtext is much more fun!
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LibraryThing member Stevil2001
I was pleasantly surprised by this, one of the novels that essentially invented the Victorian genre of the sensation novel. There's this weird thing where the solution to the "mystery" is entirely obvious, yet neither the characters nor the narrator state it directly even when it's clear that they
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know it, but aside from that (and maybe even because of that), it's a cracking read. Robert Audley is a great character-- an upper-class man moneyed enough to not need to work who has nevertheless become a lawyer because he needed something to do, he has absolutely no ambitions, interests, or passions, and is content to sit around all day. Which is why it's so great when he finally springs into action to solve the disappearance of his one-time friend George Talboys; having nothing else to do with himself, he can devote every particle of his being to solving the crime. The novel provides a gripping, compelling read as Robert unravels the titular secret, along with some interesting meditations on female power in the Victorian age. I want to read more Braddon now, and before I read the book, I never expected I'd say that. Show Less
LibraryThing member Smiler69
A large rambling mansion surrounded by beautiful gardens, a beautiful young woman brilliantly wedded who hides secrets which she must keep at all costs... this novel has all the ingredients of a Gothic extravaganza. When Sir Michael Audley takes Lucy Graham, a humble governess of great beauty as
A very satisfying adventure, though I must admit the mystery aspect offered me no great surprises as I had put the pieces together from the first few chapters. All the same, the way in which the characters evolve and the story itself is put together offered plenty of satisfaction. Another touch of Gothic thrills worked into the tale is the presence of a portrait of Lady Audley painted by a Pre-Raphaëlite artist that shows a side of Lucy that only the artist seems to have noticed. The portrait plays a crucial role in the story, but the almost surreal appeal of the painting also brought to mind The Picture of Dorian Gray, which may or may not have been influenced by Lady Audley, but which certainly shares a complexity of themes with it's precursor. Heartily recommended.
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his wife, everyone in the town of Audley is enchanted by the match. Sir Michael has been a sad widower for so many years, and now has found true love with a woman who manages to delight everyone she meets with her great charm, good graces, and china doll perfect good looks. Sir Michael's nephew, the young Robert Audley is fascinated by Lucy much like everyone else, but when his best friend George Talboys recently arrived from a long stay in Australia goes missing after having visited Audley Court, he begins suspecting that something is afoul and decides to pry into Lucy's mysteriously blank past. A very satisfying adventure, though I must admit the mystery aspect offered me no great surprises as I had put the pieces together from the first few chapters. All the same, the way in which the characters evolve and the story itself is put together offered plenty of satisfaction. Another touch of Gothic thrills worked into the tale is the presence of a portrait of Lady Audley painted by a Pre-Raphaëlite artist that shows a side of Lucy that only the artist seems to have noticed. The portrait plays a crucial role in the story, but the almost surreal appeal of the painting also brought to mind The Picture of Dorian Gray, which may or may not have been influenced by Lady Audley, but which certainly shares a complexity of themes with it's precursor. Heartily recommended.
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LibraryThing member keristars
I really liked this novel! It's an example of sensationalism in Victorian literature, and it's a fun, quick read, unlike certain bricks-masquerading-as-books that Charles Dickens or George Eliot are known to have written. (I am a bit biased, I suppose.)
There is a lot that could be said with regards
There is a lot that could be said with regards
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to literary criticism or historical context for Lady Audley's Secret, but I don't think that knowledge is necessary to enjoy this novel. Like other sensationalist novels, this one has a mystery and a terrible crime and it's based loosely (or not so loosely) on actual headlines from the time. In this case, Robert Audley takes it upon himself to uncover his aunt Lady Audley's secrets - why did his friend George Talboys disappear after being with her (did she kill him?), who was she before she was Lucy Audley (was she really Helen Talboys?), and why, if she was Helen Talboys, did she fake her death and abandon her and George Talboys's infant son? Show Less
LibraryThing member 26kathryn
I really enjoyed this book. It seemed a bit slow going in places, but the story is worth sticking with. There are lots of twists and turns in the plot, and even though I guessed a few things correctly there were still some other surprises along the way.
Lots of atmospheric descriptions and good
Lots of atmospheric descriptions and good
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characterisation. Excellent story and to be honest, a bit of an emotional rollercoaster ride! Show Less
LibraryThing member AnnieMod
An old man who had given up all hope for love falls in love and marries a governess who seems to have no history. A young man comes back from Australia, having made his fortune, just to learn that his wife had died just a little time ago. If you cannot see where this story is going, you just had
And just when you think that the novel will be all about unmasking the young Lady Audley (or her successful attempt in hiding her secrets), a man disappears, presumed killed - and she seems to be in the center of that mystery as well. As the book progress she manages to get herself into more and more situations which at least hint of her having even worse secrets. The big problem of course is that if anyone accuses of anything, it is her husband who will suffer - so the nephew who decides to try to get to the bottom of the murder, needs to connect every single dot in his story before he can even try to articulate his suspicions.
And off he goes - pulling and digging and trying to convince himself that he is really right - except that he is restrained by both the Victorian era norms and the mundane - no Sherlock Holmesesian ability to ignore everything else in this novel. Meanwhile our villain is living the life she always wanted - cherished, getting anything she wants and pretending to be the perfect wife.
Braddon's style can appear almost sluggish to a modern reader - but the action never stops. Every incident leads to something new, building the case against the pretty Lucy (who may appear innocent but we can see her true colors early on in some of the actions which noone else in the house sees). And somewhere among all that, even a love story manages to develop.
The introduction in the Penguin edition by Jenny Bourne Taylor and Russell Crofts is very useful in getting some of the ideas and the importance of certain facts which you just may know nothing about (and there are also some notes). It also does things properly by warning the reader before the spoilers start so one can choose if they want to read it at the start or come back later (immediately after that warning, the big secret is revealed and pretty much the whole action and all surprises are laid out so if one decide to continue reading the introduction despite the warning, they cannot blame anyone but themselves).
I really enjoyed this novel - there were times when I wish Braddon had allowed some of her characters to talk to each other and it got a bit tiresome in some parts to have everyone crying out all the time instead of just talking but those are just quibbles. It may not have the control of the language that Dickens and some of the other Victorians have but it is nevertheless fun to read.
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not read enough books (or watched enough movies). Surprisingly enough, that turns out NOT to be the big secret of the novel - and that's part of the charm of the novel. And just when you think that the novel will be all about unmasking the young Lady Audley (or her successful attempt in hiding her secrets), a man disappears, presumed killed - and she seems to be in the center of that mystery as well. As the book progress she manages to get herself into more and more situations which at least hint of her having even worse secrets. The big problem of course is that if anyone accuses of anything, it is her husband who will suffer - so the nephew who decides to try to get to the bottom of the murder, needs to connect every single dot in his story before he can even try to articulate his suspicions.
And off he goes - pulling and digging and trying to convince himself that he is really right - except that he is restrained by both the Victorian era norms and the mundane - no Sherlock Holmesesian ability to ignore everything else in this novel. Meanwhile our villain is living the life she always wanted - cherished, getting anything she wants and pretending to be the perfect wife.
Braddon's style can appear almost sluggish to a modern reader - but the action never stops. Every incident leads to something new, building the case against the pretty Lucy (who may appear innocent but we can see her true colors early on in some of the actions which noone else in the house sees). And somewhere among all that, even a love story manages to develop.
The introduction in the Penguin edition by Jenny Bourne Taylor and Russell Crofts is very useful in getting some of the ideas and the importance of certain facts which you just may know nothing about (and there are also some notes). It also does things properly by warning the reader before the spoilers start so one can choose if they want to read it at the start or come back later (immediately after that warning, the big secret is revealed and pretty much the whole action and all surprises are laid out so if one decide to continue reading the introduction despite the warning, they cannot blame anyone but themselves).
I really enjoyed this novel - there were times when I wish Braddon had allowed some of her characters to talk to each other and it got a bit tiresome in some parts to have everyone crying out all the time instead of just talking but those are just quibbles. It may not have the control of the language that Dickens and some of the other Victorians have but it is nevertheless fun to read.
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LibraryThing member thorold
The title of this novel is probably one of the biggest understatements in fiction: the demure, unassuming little Lady Audley has secrets the way other people have hot dinners. Only a few pages into the novel, the reader has already been given enough hints to understand that she's guilty of just
Miss Braddon takes us through the unmasking of this ringleted supervillain with huge amounts of energy and with her tongue firmly in her cheek. No character is ever allowed to get very far with a moralistic soliloquy or with reflecting darkly on the evils of the world without being interrupted by some thoroughly mundane consideration, like the landlady coming in with the shaving-water or the cabbie asking for his fare. Even when the hero (finally) goes down on his knees to his girl, the reader is distracted from the young man's eloquent proposal by the creaking of joints... Braddon obviously really enjoyed what she did, as well as making money out of it.
The writing is anything but "literary": like most of us, Braddon clearly believes that clichés were put into the world to save us time and effort, and she uses them liberally. No-one says anything remotely clever or original, and the descriptions of people and places are routine and instantly forgettable. But, despite that, it's always clear, efficient and eminently readable. Everything works to advance the story in the direction she intends it to go, and we stick with her, eager to find out how it's all going to end. And there are all those dry little comments dropped in along the way to undermine any pretence at moral seriousness. Whatever we may think about the Victorians, Miss Braddon makes it clear that at least one of them wasn't having any of that nonsense...
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about every crime on the Victorian statute books, with the possible exceptions of piracy on the high seas and the sale of ecclesiastical offices. And those only because she hasn't got around to them yet.Miss Braddon takes us through the unmasking of this ringleted supervillain with huge amounts of energy and with her tongue firmly in her cheek. No character is ever allowed to get very far with a moralistic soliloquy or with reflecting darkly on the evils of the world without being interrupted by some thoroughly mundane consideration, like the landlady coming in with the shaving-water or the cabbie asking for his fare. Even when the hero (finally) goes down on his knees to his girl, the reader is distracted from the young man's eloquent proposal by the creaking of joints... Braddon obviously really enjoyed what she did, as well as making money out of it.
The writing is anything but "literary": like most of us, Braddon clearly believes that clichés were put into the world to save us time and effort, and she uses them liberally. No-one says anything remotely clever or original, and the descriptions of people and places are routine and instantly forgettable. But, despite that, it's always clear, efficient and eminently readable. Everything works to advance the story in the direction she intends it to go, and we stick with her, eager to find out how it's all going to end. And there are all those dry little comments dropped in along the way to undermine any pretence at moral seriousness. Whatever we may think about the Victorians, Miss Braddon makes it clear that at least one of them wasn't having any of that nonsense...
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LibraryThing member lindawwilson
This should have been a better book than it was; tried to copy the really good authors like Trollope or Hardy, but it was not up to par with these despite the fact that the story line was good. Read in Maui around 2005 or so.
LibraryThing member lahochstetler
This is a delightful Victorian Gothic novel, full of suspense and intrigue. Braddon's book has all of the elements of a good Victorian suspense tale: a country estate inhabited by the landed gentry, a pining lover, and a Victorian lady who is not what she seems.
George Talboys arrives home from
Anyone who thinks that the Victorians couldn't produce a page-turner should have a look at this book. Braddon effectively creates a dark and suspenseful atmosphere. While she relies on particularly Victorian conventions to do this, such as stressing Lady Audley's hyper-femininity, the result is still sufficiently gripping, even for the modern reader.
George Talboys arrives home from
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Australia to discover his wife has died. Robert Audley, seeing his friend mad with grief, brings George to Audley Court, his uncle's country estate. It is at Audley Court that Talboys mysteriously vanishes. As Robert investigates his friend's disappearance, it becomes clear that the prime suspect is the lady of the court, Robert's new aunt, Lady Audley. Beautiful and child-like, the fact that Lady Audley may be a cold-blooded murderer adds a particularly horrifying twist for a Victorian readership. Anyone who thinks that the Victorians couldn't produce a page-turner should have a look at this book. Braddon effectively creates a dark and suspenseful atmosphere. While she relies on particularly Victorian conventions to do this, such as stressing Lady Audley's hyper-femininity, the result is still sufficiently gripping, even for the modern reader.
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LibraryThing member cbl_tn
Upon his return from the gold fields of Australia,, George Talboys runs into his old friend, Robert Audley. Talboys can think of nothing but his reunion with the wife and child he left behind, and he is devastated to learn of his wife's death just days before his arrival. Audley takes his grieving
This book is similar to many of the recently-written historical mysteries I've read, and in some ways it seems fresher. I particularly enjoyed spotting Braddon's references to contemporary culture and events like the U.S. Civil War. I was surprised by the book's religious content. Biblical language and allusions are sprinkled throughout the novel. I liked the way Braddon built suspense as Robert became more and more suspicious of Lady Audley's behavior. I was slightly disappointed by the ending, and I wish that Braddon had resolved things a little differently. Lady Audley's Secret reads a lot like a Wilkie Collins novel, and it's a book that every fan of historical mysteries needs to read at some point.
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friend under his wing, and he invites Talboys to go with him to visit the family estate. Robert's widowed uncle has recently married a much younger woman, and Robert has yet to meet his new aunt, who seems strangely reluctant to meet him. Then his friend George disappears, and Robert feels compelled to solve the mystery.This book is similar to many of the recently-written historical mysteries I've read, and in some ways it seems fresher. I particularly enjoyed spotting Braddon's references to contemporary culture and events like the U.S. Civil War. I was surprised by the book's religious content. Biblical language and allusions are sprinkled throughout the novel. I liked the way Braddon built suspense as Robert became more and more suspicious of Lady Audley's behavior. I was slightly disappointed by the ending, and I wish that Braddon had resolved things a little differently. Lady Audley's Secret reads a lot like a Wilkie Collins novel, and it's a book that every fan of historical mysteries needs to read at some point.
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LibraryThing member eleanor_eader
Robert Audley, not the most highly motivated individual, finds himself investigating the disappearance of his friend, George Talboys, who is somehow linked to Robert’s aunt, the charming and beautiful – not to mention recent - Lady Audley. Almost universally adored, particularly by her doting
Robert is an unusual romantic hero, in that he is not the least inclined to be romantic, or to move himself to great emotion or action; until, that is, he finds the puzzle of his friend’s disappearance taking on a sinister aspect. I enjoyed him, and Braddon’s other characters, enormously; her writing ranges from slightly preachy, to tongue-in-cheek, to deliciously wry - which vacillating makes it hard to rate this as ‘perfect’, but I was duly entertained and intrigued. The majority of the plot is too projected to be regarded a ‘mystery’, although we await enough important details to keep us hanging on; the real point was, I think, the scandal and, although I didn’t expect to be much moved by it, I discovered that I was actually upset on Lord Audley’s behalf, and therefore more involved in it than I expected.
**spoiler warning on*** If there’s a flaw for me, it’s more era-induced than anything else; for all the importance attached to this novel regarding its highlighting of female roles at the time, there’s all this ‘poor Georging’ in the wake of his disappearance, ignoring the conduct that drove his wife to act on her shallow, greedy instincts - he abandoned her and their son on the spur of the moment, to seek his fortune overseas, without discussing it with her first, or staying in contact afterwards, and all the emphasis is on how noble he was for coming home to her. Given Braddon’s (hopefully) ironic narrative on the subject of femininity, I would have expected a shot or two over the bow of the good ship misogynist on this point, too… or perhaps it was just too subtle for me. **spoiler warning off***
This is certainly one of the more entertaining classic-fiction mysteries I’ve read recently, though. The moral distress incited by the scandal may be subdued by societal evolution, but there’s definitely remnant enough to propel the reader along with Robert Audley. I’ll probably look out for more of her novels and stories, although reviews seem to indicate that this is Braddon’s defining work.
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husband, Lady Audley has a past that she is desperate to keep from her interfering step-nephew. Robert is an unusual romantic hero, in that he is not the least inclined to be romantic, or to move himself to great emotion or action; until, that is, he finds the puzzle of his friend’s disappearance taking on a sinister aspect. I enjoyed him, and Braddon’s other characters, enormously; her writing ranges from slightly preachy, to tongue-in-cheek, to deliciously wry - which vacillating makes it hard to rate this as ‘perfect’, but I was duly entertained and intrigued. The majority of the plot is too projected to be regarded a ‘mystery’, although we await enough important details to keep us hanging on; the real point was, I think, the scandal and, although I didn’t expect to be much moved by it, I discovered that I was actually upset on Lord Audley’s behalf, and therefore more involved in it than I expected.
**spoiler warning on*** If there’s a flaw for me, it’s more era-induced than anything else; for all the importance attached to this novel regarding its highlighting of female roles at the time, there’s all this ‘poor Georging’ in the wake of his disappearance, ignoring the conduct that drove his wife to act on her shallow, greedy instincts - he abandoned her and their son on the spur of the moment, to seek his fortune overseas, without discussing it with her first, or staying in contact afterwards, and all the emphasis is on how noble he was for coming home to her. Given Braddon’s (hopefully) ironic narrative on the subject of femininity, I would have expected a shot or two over the bow of the good ship misogynist on this point, too… or perhaps it was just too subtle for me. **spoiler warning off***
This is certainly one of the more entertaining classic-fiction mysteries I’ve read recently, though. The moral distress incited by the scandal may be subdued by societal evolution, but there’s definitely remnant enough to propel the reader along with Robert Audley. I’ll probably look out for more of her novels and stories, although reviews seem to indicate that this is Braddon’s defining work.
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LibraryThing member A.G.
This was the first book by M. E. Braddon that I have ever read and it was also the first sensation novel that I have read. It was a very successful novel at the time it was published and I can really see why people wanted to read it. The themes presented in the novel are enthralling and interesting
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as they show a different side of Victorian domesticity and draw a different portrait of Victorian women / wives / mothers. I really liked the main characters and I was curious to find out how the novel ends. The end did surprise me as I really thought that Lady Audley murdered her first husband. However, it turned out that her first husband did not die. Nevertheless, Lady Audley still receives punishment for the committed deeds and the other characters find happiness. The novel has a happy conclusion for the “good characters” but one can argue if it really is a successful conclusion. When we look at Alicia for example, we can argue if she is really happy marrying someone else, and not the man she is in love with, namely Robert Audley. Furthermore, readers must also consider Lady Audley’s sanity. Was she really a “madwoman” like her mother or just an ambitious woman who was dissatisfied with her low status and committed crimes in order to secure her new gained status? The novel is open for many interpretations; every reader has its own and that’s what I like about the book! Show Less
LibraryThing member carmelitasita29
I thoroughly enjoyed this Victorian mystery by Mary Elizabeth Braddon. It has everything one wants in a mystery - murder, secrets, madness, and twists galore. I loved the character of Robert Audley and found him to be quite charming. It was remarkable how much Ms. Braddon harped on the character of
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women in this novel in contrast to men, but it is a product of the times it was written in. I highly recommend it. Show Less
LibraryThing member littlebookworm
Quite a predictable detective tale, but with some surprising twists at the end that make it worth it. It's an enjoyable little book. It highlights very well the plight of the typical woman in Victorian society, although I sincerely hope (and believe) Lady Audley is an extreme and not a reality.
LibraryThing member obsidianpeach
I actually really enjoyed this novel, despite the stinky label of 'sensation fiction' that this book has been given. So, what? Sometimes it's good to read just for pleasure.
LibraryThing member Zmrzlina
A heroine we don't like too very much. Some may find the treatment of women in this book to be a bit too callous, but I love this book because it is not at all expected of a late 19th century writer.
LibraryThing member jaimjane
This is a good one! Lady Audley was quite a delicious villain but her past showed other sides to the making of that role. It also gave some clear pictures of what women were up against in that society. I enjoyed reading this story and definitely will recommend it to others.
LibraryThing member Misfit
Since this is one of those books that to tell too much of the story would ruin it, I'm only giving you the bare bones. Baronet Sir Michael Audley takes himself a young, beautiful (but penniless) wife, but his eighteen year old daughter Alicia is not quite so enthralled with Lucy's charms. Sir
Well I'm not telling more than that, I am not into spoilers. This was a highly entertaining and readable mystery - yes you'll guess some of what's going to happen but trust me the author has a red-herring or two and plenty of twists and turns ahead for the reader. Braddon's style was very light and readable, not as heavy handed as some 19C authors can be and I really enjoyed her descriptions of the settings, particularly the very very old Audley Court and its grounds. This book should appeal to mystery fans as well as those looking for something new in 19C lit and perfect for those days when you're looking for something light, albeit with some substance as well.
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Michael's nephew Robert Audley greets his old friend George Talboys on his return from the gold-fields of Australia, but George is anxious to reunite with the wife and child he left behind when he was unable to support them. An unexpected death notice in a local paper sets George's world upside down, although a trip with Robert to Audley Court opens up....... Well I'm not telling more than that, I am not into spoilers. This was a highly entertaining and readable mystery - yes you'll guess some of what's going to happen but trust me the author has a red-herring or two and plenty of twists and turns ahead for the reader. Braddon's style was very light and readable, not as heavy handed as some 19C authors can be and I really enjoyed her descriptions of the settings, particularly the very very old Audley Court and its grounds. This book should appeal to mystery fans as well as those looking for something new in 19C lit and perfect for those days when you're looking for something light, albeit with some substance as well.
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LibraryThing member heinous-eli
Mildly interesting but still predictable.
LibraryThing member heidijane
A wonderful and exciting Victorian mystery and sensation novel, with strong female and male characters. Although the reader guesses what is afoot long before the protagonist, Robert Audley, this does not detract from the enjoyment of reading this book, and there are still plenty of secrets to
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reveal along the way. Show Less
LibraryThing member AlexTheHunn
This book is an amusing mystery / detective story. Braddon keeps the reader guessing who-done-it in this nineteenth century tale of greed and madness. It's a lot of fun and well worth the time to read.
LibraryThing member thatotter
Recommended only if you're into Victorian sensation novels. Some lovely descriptions (especially of Audley Court in the first chapter), and the protagonist is amusing in his haplessness. However, overall...OMG, I found this an annoying hot mess.
LibraryThing member Travis1259
Lady Audley's Secret provided me hours of enjoyment. I only wonder why I haven't read this Victorian novel before. After wading through Wuthering Heights, my choice was not to read another novel of that period right now. That's one of the reasons I was so pleasantly surprised. The novel charms on
Although the mystery of the book is not up to that of Wilkie's best, it still does allow you to ponder exactly what did transpire and how. For anyone a fan of this genre , this book is a must. I still can't believe that I was not lead to read this book years ago. It's a winner by far.
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several dimensions. Mary Braddon uses her powers of description to place you squarely in the middle of Audley Court and the rambling house built and added onto over many generations with its massive and, at times frightening gardens. In addition, she keeps the novel moving with a full gamut of characters from good to bad and in-between. All of this results in a book that's bound to keep you turning pages.Although the mystery of the book is not up to that of Wilkie's best, it still does allow you to ponder exactly what did transpire and how. For anyone a fan of this genre , this book is a must. I still can't believe that I was not lead to read this book years ago. It's a winner by far.
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Subjects
Awards
Language
Original publication date
1862
Physical description
496 p.; 4.92 x 0.91 inches
ISBN
019957703X / 9780199577033