A review by chery
Lady Audley's Secret by Mary Elizabeth Braddon

challenging dark mysterious slow-paced

5.0

My inaugural foray into English classic literature proved to be a challenging endeavor. Despite almost abandoning it midway, I persevered for two weeks—a duration typically reserved for completing 2-3 books. Yet, I don’t regret this decision, even though the complex language and nuanced passages in the beginning were a struggle. However, everything changed around 60%, where the plot began to intensify, leading to a major turning point and a cascade of unexpected events. The mystery surrounding Lady Audley evoked a whirlwind of emotions, from despair to frustration, prompting contemplation on the inevitable journey of grief and destruction for Robert Audley and those close to him. Contrary to my initial convictions, the narrative took a surprising turn, culminating in moments of unexpected joy as the story unfolded.

Through Lady Audley’s Secret, I discovered a newfound ability to express my own melancholy through words. This experience emphasizes the importance of expanding my literary repertoire for self-discovery and personal growth.