Cornflower Book Group - January 2012

 

    Mary Elizabeth Braddon's novel Lady Audley's Secret has never been out of print since its publication in 1862 and has been described by the critic John Sutherland as "the most sensationally successful of all the sensation novels". 

    Thanks to Oxford University Press I have an advance copy of their new edition which will be out in early January, and from which the blurb is as follows:

"When beautiful young Lucy Graham accepts the hand of Sir Michael Audley, her fortune and her future look secure. But Lady Audley's past is shrouded in mystery, and to Sir Michael's nephew Robert, she is not all that she seems [shades of My Cousin Rachel?]. When his good friend George Talboys suddenly disappears, Robert is determined to find him, and to unearth the truth. His quest reveals a tangled story of lies and deception, crime and intrigue, whose sensational twists turn the conventional picture of Victorian womanhood on its head. Can Robert's darkest suspicions really be true?"

    I thought this book sounded just the thing for a leisurely read by the fireside over Christmas and into the New Year, and to get us into the spirit of it straightaway I've posted the opening passage here. Being a classic which is available in many editions, copies should be easily obtainable in libraries, shops and online (including through Amazon US and with free international delivery from The Book Depository), while the e-book version is free. If I set the discussion date as Saturday, 21st. January, that will give us more than eight weeks to get hold of it and take our time over it it, so please do join in with the group read, whether you're a first-timer or a regular, as the more, the merrier!

Comments

[Dark Puss]

I will be able to get my paws on this one, however a liesurely read it won't be as I can only borrow a copy for one week. Providing it's not as long as my current book, The Magic Mountain then that shouldn't prove to be an issue. I'll read it in the New Year in the week before the deadline.

Greetings from CERN (and from F, D and the cats)

P xx

[B R Wombat]

What a great choice - I'm looking forward to this one. Thanks very much for the free ebook link. What a joy to be able to start reading the book within a few seconds of reading your post. And I love the photos of Kellie Castle over on the other side.

[Mystica]

I think I should be able to dig this up in Colombo. The opening paragraph sounds so good.

[Barbara]

Hmm. I'd cut 'stupid' from the line about the clock. Now I'm put off the whole book says Mrs Nitpicker.

[Cornflower]

I suppose 'stupid' in the sense of dazed or stunned makes sense in the light of a clock which is stopped all but once per hour!

[LizF]

Ooh I have a copy of this one - and what's more I actually know where it is! Which is more than I did with The Secret History - I know I have a copy somewhere but despite emptying shelf after shelf, I still haven't found it!
It looks a wonderful choice for a winter's read!

[Mr Cornflower]

I do like a good sensation. Count me in.

[Ruthiella]

I actually JUST read this book last week! I would be prepared to send my Penguin paperback to anyone who needs a copy.

[Audrey]

I found a free e-book edition here, too... http://girlebooks.com/ebook-catalog/mary-elizabeth-braddon/lady-audleys-secret/

[Julie Fredericksen]

This sounds very interesting. I recently read "The Crimson Petal and the White" and it occurs to me this might be a companion piece. What do you think, Karen?

[Lyn]

What a fantastic choice. Perfect for the holidays season, unputdownable & a great read. One of my favourite 19th century novels.

[Cornflower]

That is extremely kind of you, Ruthiella. Many thanks!

[Cornflower]

Great!

[Cornflower]

That's an interesting thought, Julie - I'll bear it in mind as I read.

[Cornflower]

I'm so glad to hear that, Lyn!

[Mandie]

Lady Audley's Secret, with it's "stupid, bewildering clock" that marks the passage of time rather than time itself, is a great read.

[Elaine]

OUP have very kindly sent me this as well so will be joining in

[Cornflower]

Good!

[litlove]

I loved this when I read it in January (I think!) this year. I'm not the biggest fan of Victorian literature so it really must be good!