"Uncle Silas" is J. Sheridan Le Fanu's classic gothic novel narrated by the teenage character Maud Ruthyn who lives with her reclusive father Austyn Ruthyn in their mansion at Knowl. From her father Maud comes to learn of her Uncle Silas, an infamous rake and gambler and the suspicious suicide of a man to whom Silas owes an enormous gambling death. Mystery surrounds this suicide as the man is found dead in a locked room. While Austyn is convinced of his brother's innocence Maud is not and when her father unexpectedly dies, ...
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"Uncle Silas" is J. Sheridan Le Fanu's classic gothic novel narrated by the teenage character Maud Ruthyn who lives with her reclusive father Austyn Ruthyn in their mansion at Knowl. From her father Maud comes to learn of her Uncle Silas, an infamous rake and gambler and the suspicious suicide of a man to whom Silas owes an enormous gambling death. Mystery surrounds this suicide as the man is found dead in a locked room. While Austyn is convinced of his brother's innocence Maud is not and when her father unexpectedly dies, she must go to live with her Uncle. As Maud suspects that Uncle Silas has designs on her inheritance she finds herself in a dreadful situation in which she fears for her life. "Uncle Silas" is a chilling psychological thriller that is considered by many as Le Fanu's best and most popular work.
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Add this copy of Uncle Silas to cart. $24.77, new condition, Sold by Solomon's Mine Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Howard, PA, UNITED STATES, published 2009 by Digireads. com.
Add this copy of Uncle Silas to cart. $50.71, good condition, Sold by Bonita rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Newport Coast, CA, UNITED STATES, published 2009 by Digireads. Com.
One of the first gothic romances and very well written.
Suzanne45
Jul 30, 2009
Victorian thriller entertains, informs
"Uncle Silas" was recommended in an airline magazine article by Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Dirda as a "dark masterpiece of Victorian sensation fiction." The plot may be melodramatic compared to today's gritty thrillers, but in addition to being an engrossing read, this 1864 novel allows readers to time-travel back 150 years. The back story focuses on class distinctions and the status of women at the time (generally economically dependent on and subservient to men), the role of money ("haves" v. "have nots"), and the compromises, ploys, and plots necessary to survive in Victorian society. Worth the time.
