"A House to Let" by Charles Dickens and others: Charles Dickens wrote this book with his friends Wilkie Collins, Elizabeth Gaskell, and Adelaide Anne Procter. The work was published in 1858, originally appearing in Dickens' weekly literary journal, "Household Words." Ya know, I collaborated on a book with my friends once. It was really just a loose collection of limericks and witty remarks. And had we thought to preserve the wall of that men's room, I could be rich today.
The story involves an elderly woman who moves to London for a little rest and relaxation. With ample time on her hands, the woman's attentions soon become absorbed with a peculiar house across the street. The mysterious dwelling is for let, and it's been for let for many a year. But no one seems to know why. Obsessed with discovering the reason for the neighboring house's condition, the woman seeks the help of the two men in her life, Mr. Jarber, a dedicated admirer, and Trottle, her trusted butler. Bitter rivals, Jarber and Trottle compete to win their lady's favor, each uncovering sordid stories in search of the truth.
The idea behind "A House to Let" was for each writer to compose a chapter of the story, with Dickens serving as editor. Although, the work is divided into six chapters, and I haven't been able to find conclusive proof as to which sections were written by which author. The internet is an amazing research tool if one is researching porn or Star Wars... or Star Wars porn. But unearthing obscure literary questions can prove daunting.
Chapter One, "Over the Way," sets the story in motion, establishing the characters and plot and whatnot. I couldn't find who wrote it, though. My guess would be Wilkie Collins or Dickens.
The next four chapters all put forth explanations as to why the house across the street won't let. Mr. Jarber presents the first three, while Trottle provides the fourth. The sixth and final chapter ties everything up in a neat little bow.
Elizabeth Gaskell wrote Chapter Two, "The Manchester Marriage," and it tells of a husband long thought dead returning to his former life only to find his wife happily remarried.
Dickens penned the third chapter, "Going into Society." It stars a circus dwarf who wins the lottery and uses his fortune to climb the social ladder. The bizarre characters and unusual dialects mark it as Dickensian.
Adelaide Anne Procter tells the fourth chapter in verse. "Three Evenings in the House" chronicles the sufferings of a loving sister who first loses her brother to a bride and then to death. But her pain is alleviated in a most unexpected way. It's definitely my favorite section.
I reckon Wilkie Collins also wrote chapters five and six, "Throttle's Report" and "Let at Last." They seem like Collins in both style and subject matter. I'd definitely mark five as Collins. But if someone told me Dickens actually wrote chapters one and six, I wouldn't be stunned.
In the end, the idea behind "A House to Let" is far more interesting than the book itself. The various pieces don't add up to much, and the truth behind the house is hardly worth all the trouble.
RATING: 