The Evil Genius: A Domestic Story

by Wilkie Collins

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161	5	170,659	(3.6)	9
Classic Literature. Fiction. HTML: Today, divorces are a dime a dozen. In the nineteenth century, however, the implosion of a family unit was a much rarer event, and the implications of such an occurrence often spread far beyond the small group of people who were directly involved. Settle in for this juicy domestic drama from Wilkie Collins, friend and protege of Charles Dickens. .… (more)

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I'm a bit of a Wilkie Collins fan, and since there are a number of his novels that I don't know yet, I decided to revisit his works.

This work is one of his weaker novels, but not quite as weak as 'Poor Miss Finch', which is by far the weakest of his novels that I've read.

The characters are plastic, and they develop, but I think I prefer his mysteries to his romances.
I'm not quite sure what to make of the moral views, either. They're somehow twisted, but then I guess they're indeed mirroring the general sentiments of the time, and as such, you can understand why the characters act as they do. The oddest thing is, that in Catholic circles, nothing has changed until today. Fascinating.

Since I have to rate it, and semi stars aren't possible, let me just say that I'd award this novel 3.5 stars.
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Belana | Dec 15, 2021 |

I really liked this story. It takes such an honest look at human nature (the mix of good and bad in people). No one is truly vilified, and no one is completely innocent. I love how he builds this story and how he resolves everything (even if it feels a bit like a soap opera and a rushed ending). (

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ChelseaVK | Dec 10, 2021 |

man falls for governess, wife's mother urges separation, leads to divorce, child eventually brings them back together

ritaer | Jul 22, 2021 |

This book was so different than I expected from the title I expected a spooky gothic story like Woman in White but alas that is not what this book was it’s the story of a marriage breaking up, a meddling mother-in-law, a child who suffers through it all and a young girl who seems to be taken advantage of no matter where she goes. This was an interesting look at divorce in a by gone era if a bit outdated.

The narrator of this one John Bolen isn’t a favorite, I don’t like his women’s voices at all and Mr. Linley (sp-audiobook) sounded like Mad Eye Moody from Harry Potter. His regular reading voice is fine but it almost seemed like he was trying too hard at all the different voices.

Like I said this book wasn’t at all what I expected it to be but it is written by Wilkie Collins so it is so well written that I kept listening. It wasn’t a bad story it was just not what I was hoping to read if you want to try Wilkie Collins don’t start with this one start with Woman in White or The Moonstone.

3 stars (

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susiesharp | Oct 22, 2011 |

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Canonical title

The Evil Genius: A Domestic Story

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Original publication date

1885-1886

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Epigraph

Dedication

Affectionately Dedicated

TO

HOLMAN HUNT

First words

The gentlemen of the jury retired to consider their verdict.

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(Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)

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Frances Minto Elliot

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Classic Literature. Fiction. HTML:

Today, divorces are a dime a dozen. In the nineteenth century, however, the implosion of a family unit was a much rarer event, and the implications of such an occurrence often spread far beyond the small group of people who were directly involved. Settle in for this juicy domestic drama from Wilkie Collins, friend and protege of Charles Dickens.

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... The story is motivated by the attraction between Herbert Linley and the woman he hires as governess for his child Kitty - the long-suffering Sydney Westerfield. As one expects with Collins, the story is driven forward with deft assurance. Yet he also treats the theme of adultery and divorce in a manner quite unconventional for his time ... (from Broadview Press blurb).

Charnwood edition:
When Sydney Westerfield's mother marries again and emigrates to America, she leaves her daughter in the care of her unmarried sister, who runs a school in London. The formidable Miss Wigger sees her only as someone she can exploit, and Sydney becomes drawn and pale as this bitter life takes its toll. Sydney secretly advertises for a position as a governess and Herbert Linley comes to seek her services. For the first time, she finds heartfelt compassion and sympathy and accepts his offer of employment in Scotland. Will the gratitude she feels toward her rescuer remain untainted by more complicated passions, or will the family live to repent her engagement?

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