The Woman in White (1860)

This book is a Victorian "mystery" told by multiple narrators. It is a great read, albeit long. 1005 pages ( )

'The Woman in White' was something of an ordeal. The plot is excellent and the characters were well-formed, but it was a struggle to get through the extended baton-passing that greeted the shifts in narration, from Hartwright to Gilmore especially. I don't need to be reminded that the previous narrative has ended and another will commence with that kind sir's permission and the knowledge that that gentleman will add more at a later date. Readers needed different methods of reassurance 150 years ago I suppose. ( )

The style of the narrative is wordy. Very wordy. But that fits with the time in which it is told. Great suspense. Great love story. ( )

#thewomaninwhite was one of the classics I took on this year.. I have to say, although some of the classic books deeply touch my soul, some fall flat. This was one of them.. a ghostly story about deception, revenge, and a weird love triangle... the book is densely plotted, but I did not care much about the characters. Considering this was one of the first #mysterynovels of its time (published in 1859), #wilkiecollins did a great job with the clues and surprise effect. ( )

Shortly before reporting to Limmeridge House in northern England where he has been employed as a drawing master, Hartright is on one of his frequent walks throughout London neighborhoods. He encounters a mysterious woman dressed in white who seeks his assistance with directions. After the two depart, he learns shortly from the police that the woman has recently escaped from an asylum. Later, when he reports to Limmeridge House, he discovers that one of his students, Laura Fairlie, the manor's master, bears a close resemblance to the woman in white. The young artist quickly falls in love with Laura only to be told by Laura's devoted half-sister, Marian Halcombe, that she is betrothed to the baronet, Sir Percival Glyde. Wishing not to disturb the future marriage, Hartright terminates his position.

This novel, published in 1859, is considered one of the earliest mystery novels. Generally, when I read a classic, the literary styling and language is so cumbersome that I rarely rate it higher than three stars. Not only did I find the language easy to understand, but I found the story very engaging. Much of the first half of the novel was setting the stage for the second half, which seemed typical for many 19th century classics; however, once the suspense began, my attention was held page by page until a satisfactory ending. ( )