Title: The Mystery of Marie Rogêt
Author: Edgar Allan Poe
First published January 1, 1842
49 pages, ebook
Rating: 3.01
Overview
“The Mystery of Marie Rogêt” by Edgar Allan Poe tells the fictionalized account of a real-life murder that occurred in New York City. The story follows the disappearance of a young perfume shop assistant named Marie Rogêt in Paris, and the subsequent investigation led by the legendary detective C.
Auguste Dupin. As he delves deeper into the case, Dupin uncovers a web of secrets and lies that lead him closer to the truth.
This gripping murder mystery is the second installment in Poe’s Dupin series and is a must-read for fans of the genre. Find out how Dupin solves the crime by searching for “a C.
Auguste Dupin Short Story” on Goodreads.
About the Author
When you hear the name Poe, you might immediately think of creepy characters like murderers and madmen, as well as eerie stories of premature burials and women who come back from the dead. Poe’s literary works have been in print since 1827 and include classics like The Raven, The Tell-Tale Heart, and The Fall of the House of Usher.
This writer was versatile in his craft, producing short stories, poetry, a novel, a textbook, a book of scientific theory, and numerous essays and book reviews. He is known as the inventor of the modern detective story and a pioneer in science fiction.
However, Poe’s reputation mostly rests on his tales of terror and haunting lyric poetry.
Poe himself has become a legendary figure in popular culture, seen as a spooky, mysterious presence lurking in the shadows of graveyards and old castles. But much of what people know about Poe is inaccurate, thanks to a biography written by one of his enemies who aimed to tarnish Poe’s name.
In reality, Poe was born to traveling actors in Boston on January 19, 1809. He was the second of three children, with his brother William Henry Leonard Poe also becoming a poet before his untimely death.
Poe’s sister, Rosalie Poe, grew up to teach penmanship at a girls’ school in Richmond. Sadly, both of Poe’s parents passed away within three years of his birth.
He was then taken in by a wealthy tobacco merchant named John Allan and his wife Frances Valentine Allan in Richmond, while his siblings were sent to live with other families. Mr. Allan raised Poe to be a businessman and gentleman of Virginia society, but Poe’s true passion was writing, inspired by his childhood hero, the British poet Lord Byron.
Early evidence of Poe’s talent can be found in poetic verses written on the backs of Allan’s ledger sheets, showing his disinterest in the tobacco trade.
Editoral Review
Edgar Allan Poe’s The Mystery of Marie Rogêt, published in 1842, is a masterful work of detective fiction that delves into the complexities of solving a real-life murder case. As one of the pioneers of the genre, Poe’s writing style and themes have a significant impact on the literary world.
The book follows the investigation into the murder of Marie Rogêt, a young woman from Paris whose body was found floating in the Seine River. The protagonist, C.
Auguste Dupin, is a brilliant amateur detective who takes on the task of solving the case, which has baffled the authorities. Throughout the book, Dupin examines the evidence, interviews witnesses, and uses his intellect to uncover the truth behind the murder.
Poe’s writing style is as intricate as it is engaging. The story is narrated in a journalistic tone, adding to its realism.
He creates a vivid portrayal of Paris in the 19th century, which is a treat for history buffs. Poe’s characters are well-developed, and their eccentricities and motives add depth to the plot.
The Mystery of Marie Rogêt is a book that transcends time. It addresses themes that are still relevant today, such as the media’s impact on investigations, the exploitation of women, and the importance of evidence in solving a crime.
Poe’s portrayal of the media’s role in the investigation is particularly noteworthy. He highlights the sensationalism and bias that can cloud the truth and the public’s perception of a case.
However, the book has some shortcomings. The pacing can be slow at times, and the abundance of details can be overwhelming.
The plot’s climax is also anticlimactic, leading to a somewhat unsatisfying conclusion.
Overall, The Mystery of Marie Rogêt is an excellent read for fans of detective fiction and historical fiction. It is a must-read for those interested in the genre’s history and evolution.
Poe’s writing is top-notch, and the book’s themes are still relevant today. Despite its flaws, it is a book that will keep readers engaged until the very end.
Rating: 4/5
