Question about the books popularity.

I just finished reading the book
and it got me thinking.

How did the book reach the huge success it did back then?
If I remember correct, the book takes place in Victorian Era, which I believe was about harmony, and everything was idyllic and all.

So how did a book with this genre gain so much success?

A refreshing novelty maybe? People like what challenges popular beliefs or goes against the normal trends. It's seen as creative.


On a side note I think I'd have enjoyed the book much more if I'd never heard any variation of the story before reading it.