THE BEETLE
-
- $1.99
Publisher Description
In Richard Marsh's gothic horror novel, 'The Beetle,' readers are drawn into a tale of supernatural occurrences and ancient Egyptian curses. Written in the late 19th century, the book showcases Marsh's mastery of suspense and vivid imagery, transporting readers to a world where the boundaries between reality and the supernatural are blurred. The eerie atmosphere and mysterious plot twists make 'The Beetle' a captivating read that has stood the test of time in the literary world. Marsh's unique storytelling style keeps readers on the edge of their seats, eagerly anticipating the next twist in the plot. The thematic elements of power, revenge, and the struggle between good and evil are expertly woven into the narrative, adding depth to the story. Richard Marsh's personal experiences and observations of society at the time likely influenced his creation of 'The Beetle.' His keen insight into human nature and cultural anxieties are reflected in the complex characters and moral dilemmas presented in the novel. Fans of gothic literature and supernatural fiction will find 'The Beetle' a compelling and thought-provoking read that delves into the darker aspects of the human psyche.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Ripe with melodrama and purple prose, this ripping horror classic from Marsh, first published in 1897, epitomizes the style of the Victorian penny dreadful. Four sections, each narrated by a different character, interlock to relate the tale of an ancient Egyptian entity known as the child of Isis, who has traveled to London to torment Paul Lessingham, a member of Parliament, and his fianc e, Marjorie Lindon, as revenge for an indiscretion Paul committed during his travels in Egypt two decades earlier. Marsh creates an eerie atmosphere by keeping his story's supernaturalism tantalizingly ambiguous; it's never clear whether the occasional transformations of the child of Isis into the insect of the title are genuine or illusory. An overly chatty cast slows the tale's pace to a crawl and their penchant for conveniently fainting or falling into gibbering incoherence during dramatic moments reduces the novel to a clump of sensational set pieces. Though some readers will enjoy this novel's maximalist gothic flourishes, others will find the tale a bit over the top.
