"The Moonstone" is a novel written by Wilkie Collins, first published in 1868. It is often considered one of the earliest detective novels in English literature and is known for its intricate plot and multiple narrators. The story revolves around the theft of a large yellow diamond called the Moonstone, which is believed to be cursed. The diamond is stolen from a young woman named Rachel Verinder on her eighteenth birthday. The novel follows the efforts to recover the diamond and uncover the identity of the thief. One of the notable aspects of "The Moonstone" is its use of multiple narrators, each offering their perspective on the events surrounding the theft. These narrators include Gabriel Betteredge, the steward of the Verinder estate; Miss Clack, a devoutly religious spinster; Drusilla Clack, a relative of Rachel Verinder; and Sergeant Cuff, a skilled detective hired to investigate the theft. Throughout the novel, Collins explores themes such as the nature of fate, the impact of colonialism, and the complexities of class and gender roles in Victorian society. "The Moonstone" is praised for its suspenseful storytelling, memorable characters, and innovative narrative structure, and it remains a classic of detective fiction.
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