Victorians! discussion

Chap. 1 of A House to Let

It appears we have a haunted house or at least an unoccupied house being occupied by ????? something with an "eye." Sophonisba seems to be a lovely though sad character and I like the way she presents herself particularly in the midst of her two admirerers. ( yes, I do think Trottle is a bit smitten with her) Trottle and Jabez seem to add a bit of levity to the beginning of this tale. (I can just picture them "puffing up" in front of Sophonisba.) I enjoyed how wonderfully antagonistic they were to each other with Sophonisba being a sort of referee. The addition of the evil cousin's ownership of the property in question has certainly piqued by interest.

What a name Sophonisba!!! I love her only for that! But I like Trottle as weel I have to admit. But I'm not finished with this part yet; I'll wait a bit to go on commenting then!

The language is delightful. I like the interplay between the characters, the rivalry between the two gentlemen, and the hints of mystery represented by "the eye" from across the street. It is fun looking up the phrases from the era, like the one about ducks and drakes, meaning Sophonisba had lost money in an investment.

I hope we learn more of her background as we continue.

Wilkie always makes the best butlers. :) I really ached for Sophonisba when she was describing her loneliness. There is something in the way that Collins and Dickens both write that make the characters emotions so tactile.

The butler is a character indeed, but I like Jabez as well: to be faithfull after all this years ...

All three characters are great. Sophonisba's narration is delightful (her name is too! :).

This is a great start to the story. The authors just as talented in their short fiction as in their long, so far for me. The characters are already living and breathing with past and present.

I think the story stands out to me as something we can all touch and relate to. The past tragedies, Sophonisba living a quiet life, and fairly average, but she can't stop herself from the fascination with this house. "It won't let." So funny because there are houses, particularly ones in our neighborhood that are the same way. The house directly behind us stayed vacant for ten years! I can really relate to this part. Maybe that is why I bought the book to begin with!

Yes, I love the names. Who was the character in Our Mutual Friend -- Sophronia? or something? I thought of that name. Jabez Jarber. Peggy Flobbins. Trottle. These sounds do seem strongly Dickens.

They do, Sarah and yes, it was Sophronia I think.

I always think that Dickens must have had lots of fun with his characters' names.

Lots of vacant houses now....certainly a sign of the economic times...very sad...

Every one of the vacant houses in my neighborhood has finally been filled. Some people are still trying to sell their houses, but at least it doesnt feel like a ghost town anymore!