47 pages • 1 hour read
The Mystery of Edwin Drood
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Book Brief
432
Novel • Fiction
Cloisterham, England • 1800s
1870
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Charles Dickens is set in the fictional town of Cloisterham, where young choir master John Jasper's nephew, Edwin Drood, mysteriously disappears, leading to various suspicions and conflicts within the community. Themes include jealousy and secrecy, with key characters like Neville and Helena Landless, and an unsettling figure known as Princess Puffer. The novel and guide reference drug addiction, colonialism, and racist beliefs.
Mysterious
Dark
Suspenseful
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
12,545 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Charles Dickens' unfinished novel, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, showcases his signature storytelling with vivid characters and intricate plotlines. Critics praise its atmospheric setting and suspenseful prose but note the frustration of its incomplete status, leaving the mystery unresolved. While it captivates, readers may feel deprived of closure.
Who Should Read The Mystery of Edwin Drood?
Readers who relish intricate Victorian mysteries with unresolved endings will enjoy The Mystery of Edwin Drood by Charles Dickens. Comparable to Wilkie Collins's The Woman in White and Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes series, this unfinished novel entices fans of classic literature and gothic suspense.
12,545 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
John Jasper
John Jasper
A choirmaster at Cloisterham Cathedral, he is the uncle of Edwin Drood. Known for his secretive and brooding nature, he is a central figure in the unfolding mystery.
Reverend Septimus Crisparkle
Reverend Septimus Crisparkle
An Anglican clergyman living in Cloisterham who is noted for his kindness and protectiveness towards Neville and Helena Landless. He serves as a supportive figure to the community.
Neville Landless
Neville Landless
A young man from Ceylon who moves to Cloisterham with his twin sister, Helena. He is characterized by his intelligence and fiery temper, finding himself at odds with Edwin Drood.
Rosa Bud
Rosa Bud
A charming and beautiful young woman, engaged to Edwin Drood, but reluctant about the match. She is admired by several characters and plays a significant role in the story's development.
Helena Landless
Helena Landless
The twin sister of Neville Landless, she is strong-willed and perceptive, quickly forming bonds with Rosa Bud and offering her support and protection.
432
Novel • Fiction
Cloisterham, England • 1800s
1870
Adult
18+ years
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