Reader discussion: Lady Audley's Secret

Public reader discussion about Lady Audley's Secret by M. E. Braddon.

Beautifully-Crafted Horrors in Literature

By ivycreek

I’ve been into books forever, and I’m still working through my English lit undergrad when one of my favorite professors made me read Ursula Le Guin’s “The Ones Who Walk Away from Omelas.” I don’t think I’ve ever been hit this hard by something that feels both messed up in a fascinating way and kind of hard to look away from. Big spoilers, obviously— What really gets me is how she builds this “perfect” little society where everyone’s supposedly getting the most pleasure out of drugs, sex, and pain, and it sounds almost like it’d be fun to visit… until the story just drops this twist that honestly shouldn’t be a surprise if you’re paying attention. Still, I was shocked anyway. The whole idea that they keep one kid hidden under the floorboards for the rest of his life, just so the rest of the city can be happy, is brutal—yet somehow I couldn’t stop noticing how the reveal lands like a twist even though the signs feel like they were there the whole time. I’m wondering if there are any other short stories or short texts like that—this kind of “stunning horror” vibe where something looks beautiful on the surface and then turns. I haven’t read many things like it besides this, and I’m honestly really impressed with how Le Guin manages to make a whole gorgeous, twisted setup feel so intense in such a small amount of space. Thanks!

Lady Audley's Secret: Chapter 2

By Superuser

George Talboys is an interesting one—I’m not totally sure what to make of him yet. The whole situation with him and Miss Morley feels kind of random, but in a way that makes me want to know more. I also can’t decide how I feel about what happens after his story with his wife and all the bad luck that follows. And him going after fortune in Australia while leaving her behind just doesn’t sit right with me. The part that really bugs me is that after three years he’s only written one letter—either it’s just there to move the plot along, or it makes him look pretty untrustworthy. And if Lucy really is his wife, my opinion on her hasn’t shifted much either, honestly.

Lady Audley’s Secret: Final Wrap Up

By bookishSail1997

Overall, I kind of liked it, I guess? Some bits stuck with me more than others, but I’m not sure I’d call it a favorite. I don’t really have any parts I want to erase from my brain, and no big secrets either. If I had to give a quick description, I’d probably just say it’s one of those books that makes you keep reading even when you’re not totally sure where it’s going. Braddon’s writing was fine to me, maybe a little uneven in spots, but still good enough. Rating-wise, maybe something like 1 double quarter pounder with cheese out of 2, if that makes sense.

Lady Audley’s Secret: Chapter 12

By Superuser

I’m still not totally caught up, so if you’ve got prompts, feel free to toss them my way. Also, if there’s anything else you want to dig into, let me know.

Lady Audley’s Secret Chapter 37

By Superuser

Robert still feels like he’s somehow responsible for what happens to Lady A, even though part of me keeps thinking… she did set that fire and tried to murder someone. But I guess he won’t look at it like that because it’d be “ungentlemanly” or whatever. Also, I keep getting hung up on all the train timetable/travel details. They finally get to Villebrumeuse, and Lady A is still feeling awful. I don’t know—do people actually feel sorry for her, or am I missing something? And the whole sanitarium thing is weird. It doesn’t look too bad, kind of like a hotel, and I wouldn’t want my freedom taken either. Madame Taylor is definitely not buying that, though. What did you think of her reaction? I also can’t get past George being in the well. It made me wonder if Robert could’ve gone that route earlier when he and Lady A were arguing. And were you more shocked by how he was killed, or by the confession? Any other thoughts people had about this chapter?