Tagged: hidden hand

The Hidden Hand

The Hidden Hand by Mrs. E.D.E.N. Southworth, 3/5

I was annoyed to realize, after finishing this novel, that I had already read and reviewed it fourteen years ago! Interestingly, I felt pretty much the same about it this time around as I did before. However, this vintage edition was more pleasant than the previous one and did not contain so many italics. There was still an unusual (one might say, excessive) amount of exclamation points, but they did not rankle like before. Perhaps I am mellowing grammatically as the years go by.

Why I read it: a recommendation and loan from my sister.

The Hidden Hand

The Hidden Hand by E.D.E.N. Southworth, 3/5

This book has many attributes of 19th century literature that I dislike, such as an overly moralistic and preachy tone, an improbably tidy plot/ending, and annoying martyr-like characters.  I was also put off by Southworth’s overuse of italics and exclamation points.  That said, it is still a fun and entertaining read.  I think I would have enjoyed it more if I got to read it from a vintage version, instead of a chintzy, modern reprint with a dreadful painting on the cover.