Mysteries of Udolpho

Review for the book "Mysteries of Udolpho"!

Ann Radcliffe wrote something truly inspirational in Mysteries of Udolpho.  Inspiring many writers after her, Radcliffe is credited with starting the gothic fiction genre.  Written in 1794, this story is considered to be the first mystery novel.  At six hundred and ten pages, it isn’t a quick read, but it is a must read for any mystery reader.

            Radcliffe’s story is truly genius.  She has created a great story line and plot.  Mysteries of Udolpho is riveting, keeping the reader on the edge of his seat.  While it starts off slow, and the reader might wonder why this book is considered so good in the first hundred pages, he will soon find that he cannot stop reading.  Once the story escalates, cliffhangers are everywhere.  In the middle of the story, there is no way to “just read one more chapter.”  At the end of one chapter, the reader simply must read the next chapter to find out what happens, but at the end of that chapter, the reader must read another chapter to find out what happens after that, and so on and so forth.  There are also multiple underlying storylines that all intertwine to create one large plotline.  This writing technique takes considerable thought and time and Radcliffe deserves great respect for it.

            However, Radcliffe’s writing is not exceptional.  Many loose ends are left untied at the closing of the book.  There are many details that Radcliffe emphasizes in the story that have no impact on the main characters or supporting characters.  It seems to the reader at the time the item is mentioned that these things will be explained in the conclusion, but they are not.  It leaves the reader wondering if he missed something.  Unfortunately, this happens too often in Radcliffe’s novel.  Some things could be very easily fit into the storyline that simply don’t get put in.  This is very unfortunate, as this novel could be outstanding but for these simple but multiple errors.

            Occasionally, however, something enters the plot that greatly affects or alters the main characters adventures.  With these, Radcliffe does an outstanding job.  One of these such things add to the mystery of the events.  Radcliffe mentions it repeatedly in the story, but never tells the reader exactly what that item that so frightened the main character is.  All through the story, the reader is constantly wondering and trying to figure out what that item is.  Radcliffe expertly keeps this a secret until the very end.  This item really has no relevance to the problems of the main character, yet it greatly impacts the character and makes her think untrue thoughts.  These thoughts frighten the feeble minded main character and affect many of her decisions.  This fear reaches the reader.  In the end, it is a vital piece of the plot.

            Mysteries of Udolpho is riveting, frightening, suspenseful, mysterious, and interesting.  Diehard mystery lovers will love this unknown classic.  While not the typical “scary” story, it is a must read!  Readers simply have to persevere through the beginning, and they will be greatly rewarded for their efforts.  It is not the best writing, but the story itself is a rare and valuable jewel!

~Michaela

Truth is

The leader. The girl who looks so confident and speaks so clearly. She always plans things perfectly and everyone goes to her for advice on everything. Truth is, she lies awake at night worrying, hurting.
The fashionista. Her hair and makeup are always picture perfect. She has exquisite taste in color. Her outfit is always different, always complimenting her skin, hair, eyes, and body. Everyone loves her. Truth is, she cries herself to sleep at night.
The obnoxious pest. No one likes her. She's loud, boastful, aggressive, and pushy. Always in your face. Always talking about herself, monopolizing the conversation. Truth is, she goes home to a dark bedroom and wishes someone would just be a friend to her.
The hater. She sits by herself, glaring at everyone who passes by. She won't talk, never smiles. She pushes every well-meaning person away. When she does talk, it's to make fun of something or someone. Truth is, she's been hurt so many times that she is afraid that if she lets you in, you'll hurt her too.
Some people look perfect from the outside. Their lives look amazing, they always smile and laugh. They always tell you that everything is perfect. Other people put up an impenetrable wall to protect themselves. Nobody is perfect. Everybody hurts. Some hide the hurt by putting up a happy wall. Others put up a fierce looking wall that will keep away people. It doesn't matter what they act like or look like. You don't know what is going on in their lives. They are hurting, worrying, stressing, crying, and sulking behind your back. Can I ask you to do one thing? Encourage. Lift up. When you notice that someone looks good, tell them! When you notice someone being kind, praise! When you know that someone is working hard for you or others, thank them! You may never know how that helps them. You may change their day, their life and never know it. Maybe they are considering suicide and because of your small word, have hope again. You don't know what a difference you could make. So please, take the 30 seconds it takes to encourage someone. You may just save a life.
Check out this song by Francesca Battistelli first. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sc2XCkJX6c0

After

Have you ever attended a formal event? Maybe prom, homecoming, or something else? For girls, you probably spent the preceding week (maybe weeks) planning what you would wear, how you would do your hair, your nails, etc. You waited in anticipation. Finally the event arrived. Your hair was coated with hairspray, your nails were colorful, and your dress was perfect. The night flew by. You had an amazing time, and told everyone it was the best night of your life. You sink into bed in the wee hours of the morning and sleep for a very long time.
It's two days later. Your dress is hanging in the closet. Your nails are chipped. Your body is sore from dancing. Your feet are sore because of your shoes. You just washed the last of the hairspray out of your oily hair. Dark circles live under your eyes. The events of two nights ago seem like nothing more than a fun dream.
This is all you have to show for your adventure. Do you sometimes feel like this is all that will be left at the end of your life? You live a full, exciting life, but all that's waiting at the end is hurt and chipped nails. Are you really satisfied with that? Are you okay with standing before God and having to say that you made your life just a big party, nothing else? Are you content with living only for yourself? Are you alright with having nothing to show at the end of your life but greasy hair and blistered feet?
Can I encourage you to evaluate your priorities? Because your life may seem good now, but you will regret it later. Think about the millions of people living in poverty, hungry, and naked. Think about the widows, the orphans, the friendless, and the hurting. Does it hurt? If it does, good. That means you do care. Put that care in action. If you don't care one bit, maybe you need to go spend some time as these people. Christmas is the perfect time to do that. Go beyond throwing your change in the red bucket. Make a difference with your life. It will hurt. It won't be fun. But do it anyway.
~Michaela