The Dead Secret (Oxford World's Classics)
by Wilkie Collins
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Book Summary Information
Author: Wilkie CollinsEditor: Ira B. Nadel
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2008-08-15
ISBN: 0199536716
Number of pages: 416
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Book Reviews of The Dead Secret (Oxford World's Classics)
Book Review: "...the honors that are conferred by love and truth"
Summary: 5 Stars
Wilkie Collins' The Dead Secret is the second of his works that I have treated myself to. And while (having not read anything about the plot before opening the book) the 'secret' was relatively easy to figure out as I went along...the 'why' and the 'what happened next' were just as important as the 'what' of the secret, and kept me entertained throughout.
Opening with a death, a servant fleeing the house of her deceased mistress in terror of the 'secret' being revealed by a deathbed confession left behind by her mistress, and the desire to not be followed, nor tracked down and pressed for the details of that secret, this work starts with more promise and intrigue than most modern 'sensation' novels offer in 30 chapters. The servant, Sarah, who has promised not to destroy the confession or remove it from the house,determines to hide the confession in an unused room in the house, in the hopes that it will never be found, and takes her leave of Porthgenna Tower, hoping never to see it again.
Further reading introduces the character of Rosamond Treverton Frankland, the newly wed daughter of the deceased mistress of Porthgenna Tower, who opens the novel by confessing her secret. Rosamond and her husband, Leonard, begin to make their way back to Porthgenna Tower, sold years prior between the fathers of both the bride and the groom, with the intention of making it their home. But the arrival of their unborn child, and the requirement of a nurse for the mother and baby in a small town, brings a presence back into Rosamond's life that she could never have anticipated.
To give away any further details will spoil most of the story. Therefore, I shall refrain. Collins, like one of my other favorite novelists, Charles Dickens, has a wonderful way with characterization. While his novels are not quite as scathing as Dickens' were, Collins does paint very real, very entertaining, very engaging characters for his works.
Other reviewers have given their opinion of this as a pre-cursor to the greater, more well-known novels of Wilkie Collins. I, like others interested in literature of this period, of course know of 'The Woman in White', and 'The Moonstone', but thus far have never read them. Other novelists as well-known as Collins; Thomas Hardy, Dickens, Dumas, and many others have far more works available to read than just the 'biggies' that most people know of. After reading 'The Dead Secret', I am once again convinced that authors such as these deserve a reading of most, if not all, their works, from any stage in their careers. While 'Woman in White' and 'The Moonstone' may be far better known...and the product of a more mature novelist.....The Dead Secret is not a story to be overlooked by fans of Wilkie Collins.
Summary of The Dead Secret (Oxford World's Classics)
A mystery of unrelenting suspense and penetrating characterization, The Dead Secret explores the relationship between a fallen woman, her illegitimate daughter, and buried secrets in a superb blend of romance and Gothic drama. Reprinted here in the only critical edition available, is the text of the first edition, including Collins's preface and revisions. A superb introduction relates the text to Collins's love of the theatre, and previous and subsequent works.About the Series: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the broadest spectrum of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, voluminous notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.
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