Put Yourself in His Place   By: Charles Reade (1814-1884)

In "Put Yourself in His Place" by Charles Reade, readers are immediately drawn into a gripping tale set in a small English town during the mid-19th century. The story revolves around the life of Henry Little, a hardworking and honest tradesman who becomes entangled in a web of deceit, corruption, and heart-wrenching secrets.

The author expertly portrays the societal tensions of the time, such as the conflict between the industrial bourgeoisie and the struggling working class. Reade skillfully incorporates elements of moral dilemma, suspense, and romance, making this novel an intriguing and multi-faceted read.

What sets "Put Yourself in His Place" apart from other contemporary novels is the depth and complexity of its characters. Henry Little, our protagonist, unfolds his character gradually, allowing readers to empathize with his struggles and internal conflicts. Throughout the narrative, Reade delves into themes of loyalty, justice, and class struggles, making readers question their own values and biases.

The plot of the novel is expertly crafted, drawing the readers deeper into the story with every turn of the page. Reade masterfully combines elements of mystery and intrigue, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The pacing is just right, with a perfect balance of suspenseful moments and character development.

One aspect that particularly impressed me was the author's attention to detail and historical accuracy. Reade vividly paints a realistic picture of a town grappling with the changes brought about by the Industrial Revolution. The meticulous research is evident throughout the novel, adding a layer of authenticity that enhances the overall reading experience.

However, I did find some sections of the book to be slightly slow-paced, which might not appeal to readers seeking a fast-paced, action-packed story. Additionally, the sheer number of characters in the story can be overwhelming at times, making it difficult to keep track of everyone's role and contribution to the overall narrative.

Despite these minor flaws, "Put Yourself in His Place" is a truly captivating novel that brilliantly captures the essence of Victorian society. Charles Reade's beautiful prose, well-developed characters, and compelling storyline make for an engaging and thought-provoking read. Filled with suspense, moral dilemmas, and genuine human emotions, this book is bound to leave a lasting impact on any reader who immerses themselves in its pages.

First Page:

But industry so vast, working by steam on a limited space, has been fatal to beauty: Hillsborough, though built on one of the loveliest sites in England, is perhaps the most hideous town in creation. All ups and down and back slums. Not one of its wriggling, broken backed streets has handsome shops in an unbroken row. Houses seem to have battled in the air, and stuck wherever they tumbled down dead out of the melee. But worst of all, the city is pockmarked with public houses, and bristles with high round chimneys. These are not confined to a locality, but stuck all over the place like cloves in an orange. They defy the law, and belch forth massy volumes of black smoke, that hang like acres of crape over the place, and veil the sun and the blue sky even in the brightest day. But in a fog why, the air of Hillsborough looks a thing to plow, if you want a dirty job... Continue reading book >>