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