Author(s): Wilkie Collins

Fiction

"The Woman in White" by Wilkie Collins is a captivating and intricate Victorian-era novel that blends elements of mystery, suspense, and Gothic romance. The story unfolds through a series of narratives, each from the perspective of different characters, providing a multi-layered and enthralling reading experience.

The novel begins with Walter Hartright, a young drawing master, who encounters a mysterious and distressed woman dressed in white while walking alone at night. This chance encounter sets the stage for a web of secrets and intrigue that encompasses the lives of various characters.

Central to the plot is the enigmatic and ethereal figure of the woman in white, Anne Catherick, who appears to be in a state of perpetual fear and vulnerability. Her presence, along with her startling resemblance to another key character, Laura Fairlie, adds an air of mystery to the narrative.

Laura Fairlie, a gentle and innocent woman, plays a significant role in the unfolding events. She is engaged to Sir Percival Glyde, a charming yet seemingly calculating and ruthless man. As their marriage draws nearer, Laura becomes increasingly anxious and fearful, unsure of Sir Percival's true intentions.

Walter Hartright, who has developed deep feelings for Laura, finds himself drawn into the tangled web of secrets surrounding the Fairlie family. As he delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers shocking revelations about Sir Percival Glyde's past and his connection to Anne Catherick, the woman in white.

The novel further introduces other intriguing characters, such as Marian Halcombe, Laura's intelligent and devoted half-sister, and Count Fosco, a charismatic and cunning Italian friend of Sir Percival's. Both characters play pivotal roles in the story's development and add layers of complexity to the plot.

Wilkie Collins expertly weaves together various narrators, each with their distinct perspectives and motivations, to gradually unravel the intricate mystery surrounding the woman in white and the secrets hidden within the Fairlie family.

"The Woman in White" is praised for its vivid characterization, atmospheric settings, and expertly crafted suspense, making it a landmark work in the genre of sensation fiction. Throughout the novel, Collins explores themes of identity, deception, and the impact of society's expectations on individuals, while keeping readers guessing until the final pages.

In summary, "The Woman in White" is a masterfully crafted tale of mystery, love, and intrigue, which continues to captivate readers with its richly drawn characters and an absorbing plot that keeps them on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Gordon Classic Library Set. Second-Hand. In good condition.