In the classic RL Stevenson novel The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, the lawyer Gabriel Utterson, investigates the series of strange events occurring between his old friend, Dr Henry Jekyll, and the evil Edward Hyde.
In this story or sequel, seven years have passed, and Utterson, on the verge of realising the inheritance left to him by his good friend Jekyll, finds his world crashing down as an imposter appears to lay claim to Jekyll's estate - an imposter who claims to be Jekyll himself!
Only one man is not taken in - that is the lawyer Utterson, a measured, emotionless bachelor, who alone knows the truth - that this can in no way be Jekyll. In his quest to bring the truth to the fore, Utterson realises that those who knew Jekyll in the past, and upon welcoming him back, are slowly being erased, and yet none can see this but himself.
"... how could he possibly be certain of anything, if he was no longer certain of himself ..."
In a vain attempt to prove his theory correct, Utterson abandons all common sense and seeks to recreate Jekyll's transformation potion. And so begins his slow descent ..... " ... [Utterson] knew he had been dismantled ... he knew that he would forever be regarded as mad ..."
I found this to be a rather compelling homage to Stevenson's original gothic horror story - it could quite easily have had another 100 or so pages added, as Utterson's delusions and decay are further investigated. i especially enjoyed the last chapter as events pertaining to Utterson are closed - although the fate of Jekyll remains tantalisingly unanswered!.
read more here
@ Britannica - Summary & Notes (Jekyll & Hyde)
@ Sydney Morning Herald - review
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