Customer Reviews

The Queen of Hearts

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have written a review of a Wilkie Collins book already, and though I didn't like this book quite as much as I did the last one I read, still it was enjoyable. In this story an older man, Griffith, lives in the country with his two elder brothers. They live a quiet life in an old house. Thier life changes when a young woman whom he had been co-guardian to , comes to his home to stay for 6 weeks in order to inherit her dead fathers' money upon her 21st birthday. With only a short time left to the young womans visit, Griffith recices a letter from his son who is going to sail back home. In the letter his son reveals that he is in love with the young woamn, Jessie. In order to keep Jessie there in time for his son to come back and declare his feelings, Griffith and his 2 brothers write stories to keep her entertained. The contents of much of the book are the brother's stories. The book brings to mind Scheherezade, who told her stories-like Aladdin and the lamp-to her husband to preserve her life. It is an enjoyable read, and easy to get through.

I tried reading Woman in White for a reading group but was not able to finish it. Someone in the group mentioned this book, and it sounded like one I might enjoy. Wow did I ever! I loved the premise, I loved the stories each brother told, loved how the young lady changed over time, and esp loved the ending. Definitely the type of book to read on a very hot summer afternoon, and one that I will remember for a long time. I probably will now try Woman in White again, and perhaps more of his books.

The Queen of Hearts by Wilkie Collins. Published by MobileReference (mobi).

This is a charming read that would be perfect for a lazy Saturday afternoon. Wilkie Collins fans should place The Queen of Hearts on their 'must read' list.

Basically, this is a bunch of short stories tucked inside a short love story. Three old men have to find a way to keep the young lady visiting them from going home, so they tell her a story each night. Some of the stories are good. The rest are okay. The basic story is sort of humorous.