Review: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

Another classic by Robert Louis Stevenson. This one is so ingrained in our culture that I of course knew the big “twist” before starting the story, but it was still a very enjoyable read. The writing is great, the characters are great, and the reveal, even though it’s now obvious, is still powerful. The story contains a fascinating look at the dual nature of man: the civilized human on the outside and the savage animal within. It’s especially interesting to see it play out in 19th century England, in a culture obsessed with suppressing so much of human instinct and hiding it beneath a prim and proper veneer. I can see why this book was a sensation when it came out and how it became so integrated into culture that “Jekyll and Hyde” is now a regular part of the English language.

Rating: 5 stars