The Jewel of Seven Stars
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Horror
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
Author:
Genres: Literature & Fiction, Horror
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
It seems a little strange to me that Jewel of the Seven Stars is so much less well-known than Dracula. I mean, yes, it's managed to stay in print, and it's even been adapted into a couple of low-budget horror movies, but the book certainly isn't a household name (and neither are any of Stoker's other books, for that matter.)
However, it's every bit as entertaining and dramatic a read.
The narrator is summoned by a young woman in distress, a recent acquaintance of his whom he is quite taken with. His delight in her seeming interest is only slightly tempered by the situation - the woman, Margaret's, father has fallen mysteriously ill... or has possibly been violently attacked. Doctors and the law are summoned, but, starting with some strange instructions left to his lawyer, an occult web unravels, relating to the father's occupation as an Egyptologist. A tale emerges of the mummy of Tera, a beautiful queen and powerful sorceress of ancient Egypt, who sought to extend her power beyond the grave - but whether for good or for evil is unknown. But now, it may be that there will be no choice but to discover, for her spirit seems in some strange way entwined with that of the innocent Margaret, who was born at the very moment of the violation of Tera's tomb.
Apparently, when the book was first published in 1903, the publisher was unhappy with the ending, and in subsequent editions, a new "happier" ending was tagged on. My copy of the book contained the original ending, but I have to say, I wasn't that satisfied with it either - not because of it being "unhappy," but because it was too vague, leaving unanswered too many questions that the book set up as if answers were forthcoming. Still, overall, I found it to be very enjoyable.
However, it's every bit as entertaining and dramatic a read.
The narrator is summoned by a young woman in distress, a recent acquaintance of his whom he is quite taken with. His delight in her seeming interest is only slightly tempered by the situation - the woman, Margaret's, father has fallen mysteriously ill... or has possibly been violently attacked. Doctors and the law are summoned, but, starting with some strange instructions left to his lawyer, an occult web unravels, relating to the father's occupation as an Egyptologist. A tale emerges of the mummy of Tera, a beautiful queen and powerful sorceress of ancient Egypt, who sought to extend her power beyond the grave - but whether for good or for evil is unknown. But now, it may be that there will be no choice but to discover, for her spirit seems in some strange way entwined with that of the innocent Margaret, who was born at the very moment of the violation of Tera's tomb.
Apparently, when the book was first published in 1903, the publisher was unhappy with the ending, and in subsequent editions, a new "happier" ending was tagged on. My copy of the book contained the original ending, but I have to say, I wasn't that satisfied with it either - not because of it being "unhappy," but because it was too vague, leaving unanswered too many questions that the book set up as if answers were forthcoming. Still, overall, I found it to be very enjoyable.
