The Woman in White in 100 books to read before you die

Jan 22, 2014 Tatev rated it it was amazing

Shelves: essentials, absolute-favorites

I always felt like this books is often misunderstood. Probably one of the reasons is that when people peek up a book of the founder of detective genre they are expecting the prototypes of Sherlock and Miss Marple to appear on page one.

However Wilkie Collins is slightly different.

So if you decide to read this books there are a few things you should definitely keep in mind. First of all this is one of the finest examples of a Victorian novel you can find out there. Which implies of course that it I always felt like this books is often misunderstood. Probably one of the reasons is that when people peek up a book of the founder of detective genre they are expecting the prototypes of Sherlock and Miss Marple to appear on page one.

However Wilkie Collins is slightly different.

So if you decide to read this books there are a few things you should definitely keep in mind. First of all this is one of the finest examples of a Victorian novel you can find out there. Which implies of course that it is extremely long. It would probably seem 500 pages too long to some. Consequently it is full of details, details of all sorts and shapes. You will know what the sun was like on the 16 February, you will know exactly what sound the silk dress makes and you will be informed of the ornaments on people's vests. This fine prose, while irritating to many, fascinated me.

The second point I will like to draw your attention to is that this novel is full of deeply compelling characters. All sorts of characters, by the way. And I'm not talking about the "good" once. Since I do not want to provide any spoilers I will restrain myself from saying more, but I will state that the main villain of the book is about as well written and devious as Voland from Bulgakov's Master and Margaret.

Finally, the plot. If you are experienced in detective novels there will hardly be a plot twist in this book that with shock you, send shivers down your spine or leave you sleepless. Most of the things you might even be able to foretell several pages before they happen, which will do honor to your intelligence of course. Nevertheless, if this does occur, do not be discouraged, do not oversimplify the book or think of it as predictable. Think of it this way: Dracula was once THE MOST terrifying book. Just like that "The Woman in White" was once THE MOST mysterious novel. But most importantly this book is the absolute must for all does why enjoy ingenuity of the writer and his characters, strong, mature and rich prose and generally are fond of enthusing fiction. ...more

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Aug 01, 2015 Liz rated it really liked it

I fancied reading a classic as it's been a while, so I went for this one. For some reason I had in my head this was a ghost story. It's not, but it is a twisty turney thrillery what's going on kind of a book such as I've not come across before amongst the classics. I found it quite surprising in its storyline and found myself wanting to know how it would all end. All the narratives from different viewpoints got a little tiresome at certain points as they sometimes repeated things, especially tow ...more

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