Book Review: Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Well, I knew the story of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde in theory, although I had never read it directly - I've seen a TV programme and there was also a Scooby-Doo episode on this too.  It was actually different to what I could remember,

So what did I like...
I liked the fact that the story was from the point of view of Henry Jekyll's friend, as the mystery unfolds in his eyes and I found this interesting.  If I hadn't known most of the story already, I think it would have added to the mystery.  I also enjoyed reading how the Hyde side of Jekyll took him over in Jekyll's statement at the end of the story as it was interesting to hear from his point of view also and how it had led to his demise.

What I didn't like...
Overall I did enjoy the story, but I just didn't get why Hyde killed the man in the street.  I re-read Henry Jekyll's confession letter and Lanyon's but I couldn't grasp an explanation - unless I have completely missed something.  The maid fainting at the site of a murder annoyed me a little!

It was good to read, and it was quite short so I found it easy.  I liked how Stevenson used the fog, and darkness to make his story give a sense of eeriness.  I thought the character of Henry Jekyll was really interesting, how he was lured into a different world from an upstanding and well respected citizen into a dark and criminal world - which he kind of liked and felt drawn to this dark side of him.  I think this represents today's society as it is easy to be drawn into something that is bad, and you struggle to get out of as it takes hold of you.  Hyde is Jekyll's addiction but he is also the side of Jekyll that has been repressed for many years.

Have you read Jekyll and Hyde?  What did you think?  Have I missed something or do you have something to add?

I would love to hear your comments!

Laters, Janet