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`Collins's mid-Victorian novel is one of the first, and possibly still the greatest, of all literary thrillers.' The Irish Times --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.
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Most helpful customer reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
Superbly Written Victorian Mystery,
By
This review is from: The Woman in White (Mass Market Paperback)
This one is referred to as a classic, as it should be, but it's really not the kind of book one first thinks of when hearing that word. For one thing, it's in part a mystery, and these generally have a tough time gaining and maintaining critical acceptance; for another, it was initially described as a "sensationalist" novel, and although that term meant something entirely different 130 years ago, the description still applies and probably has something to do with this book not having achieved the status that it deserves. Whatever, this is a truly terrific read, in every respect, with a great plot, superb characters, and a magnificent writing style. The plot, briefly, has to do with a youthful and somewhat naïve heiress, who, through the manipulations and connivances of alleged friends, is basely used and driven to the brink of despair. Although her situation seems hopeless, she nevertheless has two supporters: her cousin, the superbly portrayed Marian Halcombe; and her former drawing-master--and the primary narrator of the tale--Walter Hartright. Gliding in and out of their lives is the title character, the mysterious and tragic Woman in White. It would not be prudent for me to give away anything else, except to say that about a hundred pages into this novel the plot gallops along at a break-neck pace, with several mysteries, secrets and plot-twists to be unraveled, all of which are completely credible. The characters are superbly and memorably drawn, particularly the indomitable Count Fosco. He is a large, loud, magnificently-dressed, sweet-talking and irresistible force, constantly playing with his little mice and birds, and disguising in every way the plots and schemes which roil through his brain. His is as vivid a character as one comes across in literature, comparable with the likes of Sir John Falstaff, or Long John Silver. Marian Holcombe is no less memorable. The forward to the edition that I have just read indicates that following the publication of this novel, dozens of men inquired of Mr. Collins as to whether the character of Miss Holcombe was based on a real person, and if so, could they meet her! This is entirely believable. She is a sweet, fiercely loyal, and extraordinarily brave person. A gem of a character. Beyond all the this, the novel is very literate, written in the polite, carefully-constructed, meticulously-paced Victorian style. It is a joy to savor and dwell over the many almost-melodious passages in this novel. Yes, yes, it's escapist entertainment, but so what? Upon completion of a novel like this, one feels as if one has improved oneself in language, literacy, and in writing skill; indeed, in general intelligence. What else could one want from a classic?
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
An amazing read that will keep you guessing,
By
This review is from: The Woman in White (Mass Market Paperback)
A friend of mine bought this book for me for Christmas and I was a little on the disappointed side. I thought from the blurb on the back and the time period the book is from that it would be long winded and dull. I was SO wrong! This book is literally non-stop excitement. Every page was chocked full of mystery and suspense and the characters were among the most interesting I've ever read about. Particularly the villain. He is without a doubt amongst the most evil and manipulative characters I've ever read about. This one is a must read!
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars
sleep was my second-best option,
By D. Spidet (UK) - See all my reviews
This review is from: The Woman in White (Mass Market Paperback)
Everyone has their own criteria for what makes a great novel-for me the best praise is that(in the words of an earlier reviewer) I was desperate for lunchtime at work and hometime so that I could continue reading.I forwent sleep untill I'd finished the book.It took me three days when a similar-length novel can take me months.When you sacrifice things to read a book you KNOW you have a pearl.When you "don't have the time" you have an also-ran.This book,for me,had everything:Fantastic prose(Austen-like),deep characters,convoluted plot,humour, supense.I shy from naming a favourite character out of fear of disloyalty to the others! I'd previously read Brave New World and it was just so awful with it's two dimensional characters and plot (albeit an outstanding idea)and I think this helped my appreciation of The Woman in White.I'd never even heard of it until recently.I,of course, would recommend you read this and,short of weddings,funerals,etc.be prepared to sacrifice your engagements!
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