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Book Review
Oct. 30th, 2019 10:05 pmMelmoth the Wanderer
by Charles Robert Maturin
This long and at times long-winded gothic novel from 1820 concerns Melmoth, a man who sells his soul for 150 extra years of life. Presumably afflicted with buyer's remorse, he spends that time wandering the earth attempting to tempt and/or corrupt people into taking his place. Even though none of his would-be victims succumbs, they are nevertheless plunged into misery and tragic ends as a result of their interaction with Melmoth.
The narrative is a set of nested tales regarding a person's or family's encounter with Melmoth and the unhappiness that results. Luckily, this structure is handled with a great deal of skill, never leaving the reader confused. The characters are well-drawn but not necessarily very complex. The plots tend towards the melodramatic and even lurid, but are always compelling and entertaining. Maturin does have a tendency to go on at length when describing or relating just about anything, in prose that borders on the purple.
Maturin was an early 19th century Anglican vicar, and all his prejudices are on blatant display here. He is virulently anti-Catholic, appallingly anti-Semitic, and has the typical racism and sexism of his times. While his attitudes were not uncommon for his time, they are very jarring and off-putting to modern readers.
Overall, Melmoth the Wanderer is an interesting and often effective example of the gothic novel, but it does get a bit wearing.
by Charles Robert Maturin
This long and at times long-winded gothic novel from 1820 concerns Melmoth, a man who sells his soul for 150 extra years of life. Presumably afflicted with buyer's remorse, he spends that time wandering the earth attempting to tempt and/or corrupt people into taking his place. Even though none of his would-be victims succumbs, they are nevertheless plunged into misery and tragic ends as a result of their interaction with Melmoth.
The narrative is a set of nested tales regarding a person's or family's encounter with Melmoth and the unhappiness that results. Luckily, this structure is handled with a great deal of skill, never leaving the reader confused. The characters are well-drawn but not necessarily very complex. The plots tend towards the melodramatic and even lurid, but are always compelling and entertaining. Maturin does have a tendency to go on at length when describing or relating just about anything, in prose that borders on the purple.
Maturin was an early 19th century Anglican vicar, and all his prejudices are on blatant display here. He is virulently anti-Catholic, appallingly anti-Semitic, and has the typical racism and sexism of his times. While his attitudes were not uncommon for his time, they are very jarring and off-putting to modern readers.
Overall, Melmoth the Wanderer is an interesting and often effective example of the gothic novel, but it does get a bit wearing.
