The Woman in White (Penguin Classics)
by Wilkie Collins
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Book Reviews of The Woman in White (Penguin Classics)
Book Review: Remember When It Was Written
Summary: 5 Stars
For sheer mystery and excitement," The Woman in White ", was unmatched in the genre of 19th century literature. That is what one must keep in mind when reading this extraordinary novel. Written in 1860, nothing approaching it had ever been attempted, and if the New York Times best seller list had been in existence at the time, it would have topped the list for countless numbers of weeks. Like many authors of the period, the book was serialized, and it was followed voraciously by tens of thousands of readers. It continued to remain popular when published in book form. For those who relish an intricate plot, serendipitous chance coincidences filled with its share of villains, heroes, and fragile heroines in distress, along with a modicum of amateur detective work, then this is the novel that will entertain and satisfy those who are avid readers of the likes of Dickens, Conan Doyle, and Thackeray.
Book Review: This detective novel is a classic--but it's also a lot of fun.
Summary: 4 Stars
I'll confess that I almost put The Woman in White down after the first fifty pages or so. It seemed obvious to me what would happen: a beautiful and delicate heiress falls in love with a poor drawing master, but is forced to renounce him for the evil nobleman who really only wants her money. Then, the intricate plotting (the story is related in the voices of different characters) drew me in and the plot turned out to be not quite so obvious, after all. Sure, you can read quickly past some of the verbose descriptions, Marion is too good to be true, and Collins does deal in stock figures when it comes to the "lower" classes. Despite these flaws, the mystery at the heart of the novel will keep you turning the pages. It's a wonderful diversion when you're too tired for more weighty reading matter and you'd like a detective story that's decidedly NOT contemporary. The portrait of the "invalid" uncle, Mr. Fairlie, is wickedly delicious, too. Have fun.Book Review: Totally gripping
Summary: 5 Stars
I have read this book several times and just reread it after many years. I don't understand those who think it hard to follow. If one pays attention the plot is easily understood. Too many people are used to being spoonfed and have trouble with Dickens and Collins because they demand attention.
This book is frightening and not in any supernatural way but because I wondered what I would do if I had been Laura or Anne, shut away in an asylum against my will. what would I do if I were trapped and unable to reach anyone to help me? It's this helplessness that is so frightening and the inability for the law to do anything without proof.
I highly recommend this book. And Marian Halcamb is a true heroine in a Victorian era, fighting back at injustice. These are characters you won't soon forget although Laura is very much in the Dickens mode: pretty, complaisant, mostly, and depending on others. A woman of her times.
Book Review: Madness, Mystery and the First Fat Villain
Summary: 4 Stars
The first 100 pages are the hardest to get through, but once Collins ushers his readers and protagonist alike into the isolated gloom of Limmeridge House it becomes plain why this is one of the most celebrated mysteries ever written. The lead couple is rather bland, in particular the heroine, but that weakness is more than compensated for by the presence of such memorable characters as the clever, resourceful Marian Halcombe and the insidious Count Fosco. The tale of greed, murder, madness, revenge and conspiracy that unfolds is well worthy of being considered one of the best and most influential gothic novels of all time.Book Review: The best of Victorian suspense
Summary: 5 Stars
Collin's novel is the best example of Victorian mystery and suspense. Full of tangential story lines and detailed, lush descriptions of nineteenth-century England. A must-read for any student of literature and anyone interested in Victorian history and culture.