A Strange Story   By: Edward George Bulwer-Lytton (1803-1873)

A Strange Story by Edward George Bulwer-Lytton is a perplexing and suspenseful tale that will keep readers captivated until the very last page. The author's masterful storytelling weaves together elements of mystery, romance, and the supernatural, creating a truly unique reading experience.

The book introduces us to the character of Allen Fenwick, a medical student who becomes entangled in a series of inexplicable occurrences. As the story progresses, Fenwick's rationality is challenged when he finds himself confronted with supernatural forces that defy scientific explanation. This exploration of the supernatural adds an intriguing layer to the narrative, forcing readers to question the boundaries of reality.

Bulwer-Lytton's prose is both vivid and poetic, creating a richly atmospheric setting that immerses readers in the world he has created. The author's descriptive writing transports readers to the eerie landscapes of haunted mansions, mysterious laboratories, and otherworldly dimensions. Through his well-crafted imagery, Bulwer-Lytton successfully evokes a sense of unease and suspense that lingers throughout the entire book.

The characters in A Strange Story are also noteworthy, with each being intricately developed and possessing their own unique quirks and personalities. Fenwick, in particular, undergoes a remarkable transformation as he grapples with the inexplicable forces at play. His journey from skepticism to acceptance is one that readers will find themselves invested in, ultimately making him a relatable and sympathetic protagonist.

One aspect of the book that stands out is Bulwer-Lytton's skillful exploration of universal themes such as love, morality, and the pursuit of knowledge. The author delves into the depths of human nature, shining a light on the flaws and desires that drive us all. This introspective approach adds depth to the story, elevating it beyond a simple supernatural thriller.

However, it must be noted that A Strange Story can be quite dense at times, with Bulwer-Lytton's tendency to include lengthy philosophic discussions. While these thought-provoking musings add intellectual depth, they may prove challenging for readers seeking a more fast-paced read.

Overall, A Strange Story is a mesmerizing and thought-provoking novel that seamlessly blends elements of the supernatural, romance, and philosophy. Bulwer-Lytton's imaginative storytelling, evocative prose, and well-developed characters make this book a must-read for fans of Gothic literature and those seeking a compelling and unconventional tale.

First Page:

In the successive developments of his own mind, Maine de Biran may, indeed, be said to represent the change that has been silently at work throughout the general mind of Europe since the close of the last century. He begins his career of philosopher with blind faith in Condillac and Materialism. As an intellect severely conscientious in the pursuit of truth expands amidst the perplexities it revolves, phenomena which cannot be accounted for by Condillac's sensuous theories open to his eye. To the first rudimentary life of man, the animal life, "characterized by impressions, appetites, movements, organic in their origin and ruled by the Law of Necessity," (1) he is compelled to add, "the second, or human life, from which Free will and Self consciousness emerge." He thus arrives at the union of mind and matter; but still a something is wanted, some key to the marvels which neither of these conditions of vital being suffices to explain. And at last the grand self completing Thinker attains to the Third Life of Man in Man's Soul... Continue reading book >>