Begins The Mystery of Edwin Drood

The Mystery of Edwin Drood is a novel by Charles Dickens that was left unfinished at the time of his death. Dickens began writing this work in 1869, during a period when he was actively engaged in public readings across England, Scotland, and Ireland. These readings were a significant part of his career, allowing him to connect with audiences and share his literary works. However, during this time, Dickens began to show symptoms of a mild stroke, which led to the cancellation of some provincial readings. Despite these health challenges, he continued to work on The Mystery of Edwin Drood, which is notable for its intricate plot and complex characters. The novel is set in the fictional town of Cloisterham and revolves around the mysterious disappearance of the titular character, Edwin Drood, and the various characters' responses to this event. Dickens's decision to leave the novel unfinished has led to much speculation and analysis regarding its intended conclusion and the themes it explores, such as identity, morality, and the nature of justice.