{"product_id":"the-moonstone-9791043138164","title":"The Moonstone","description":"\u003cp\u003e • Author(s): Wilkie Collins\u003cbr\u003e • Publisher: Les Prairies Numeriques\u003cbr\u003e • Publisher Imprint: Les Prairies Numeriques\u003cbr\u003e • BISAC: Ancient, Classical \u0026amp; Medieval\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Moonstone\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe \"Moonstone\" of the title is a large but flawed diamond, looted from India at the time of the Mutiny by an unscrupulous British officer. Many years later, estranged from his family due to his licentious lifestyle, the officer bequeaths the diamond to his sister's daughter, \u003cstrong\u003eRachel Verrinder\u003c\/strong\u003e, to be given to her on her 18th birthday. Due to the ill-omens surrounding the gem, this may have been an act of revenge rather than reconciliation. The diamond, it appears, was taken from a statue of the \u003cstrong\u003eMoon God\u003c\/strong\u003e worshipped by a Hindu cult, and it has long been sought by a group of Brahmins determined to return it to their temple.On the night of the birthday party the gem mysteriously disappears from \u003cstrong\u003eRachel\u003c\/strong\u003e's room. While the first suspicions naturally fall on these Indians, they are eventually exculpated. \u003cstrong\u003eRachel\u003c\/strong\u003e becomes hysterical and angry when questioned about the theft and refuses to assist the police. Active efforts to assist them are taken up by \u003cstrong\u003eRachel\u003c\/strong\u003e's cousin (and sweetheart) \u003cstrong\u003eFranklin Blake\u003c\/strong\u003e. These efforts simply drive \u003cstrong\u003eRachel\u003c\/strong\u003e into further fury, and she becomes completely estranged from him. Suspicion thus falls on her as having some secret reason for wishing to raise money on the diamond. The novel proceeds to slowly uncover the mysteries involved.Published in \u003cstrong\u003e1868\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eThe Moonstone\u003c\/strong\u003e is often considered as one of the precursors of the modern detective novel, though this is a label which would not have been used by its author \u003cstrong\u003eWilkie Collins\u003c\/strong\u003e and his contemporaries. While it is true that the plot revolves around the mystery of a theft, and that it features \u003cstrong\u003eSergeant Cuff\u003c\/strong\u003e \"in the \u003cstrong\u003eDetective Force\u003c\/strong\u003e of Scotland Yard,\" the novel is much more about character and relationships than the mere revelation of secrets. It also has a good dose of \u003cstrong\u003eCollins\u003c\/strong\u003e' humour, as the story is told in large part by eccentric characters such as the old house-steward \u003cstrong\u003eGabriel Betteredge\u003c\/strong\u003e who regards \u003cstrong\u003eRobinson Crusoe\u003c\/strong\u003e as an oracle; and the ultra-religious Miss Clack, determined to convert everyone to her views.Immensely popular at the time of its publication in serial form, \u003cstrong\u003eThe Moonstone\u003c\/strong\u003e is rightly considered to be one of \u003cstrong\u003eCollins\u003c\/strong\u003e' best works, and remains highly regarded today.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Les Prairies Numeriques","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":47776391430295,"sku":"9791043138164","price":3013.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0666\/3471\/1191\/files\/9791043138164.webp?v=1777995969","url":"https:\/\/atlanticbooks.com\/products\/the-moonstone-9791043138164","provider":"Atlantic Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}