The Woman in White tells the story of Walter Hartright, a young and impoverished drawing teacher who falls in love with his aristocratic pupil, Laura Fairlie. He cannot hope to marry her, however, and she is married off against her will to a baronet, Sir Percival Glyde, who is seeking her fortune. The terms of her marriage settlement prevent Glyde accessing her money while she lives, so together with his deceptively charming and cunning friend, Count Fosco, they hatch an unscrupulous deception to do so nonetheless. In an ...
Read More
The Woman in White tells the story of Walter Hartright, a young and impoverished drawing teacher who falls in love with his aristocratic pupil, Laura Fairlie. He cannot hope to marry her, however, and she is married off against her will to a baronet, Sir Percival Glyde, who is seeking her fortune. The terms of her marriage settlement prevent Glyde accessing her money while she lives, so together with his deceptively charming and cunning friend, Count Fosco, they hatch an unscrupulous deception to do so nonetheless. In an early 19th Century version of "identity theft," they contrive to fake Laura's death and confine her to a mental asylum. Their plot is eventually uncovered and exposed by Hartright with the help of Laura's resourceful half-sister, Marian Halcombe. The Woman in White was the most popular of Wilkie Collins' novels in the genre then known as "sensation fiction." It has never been out of print and is frequently included in lists of the best novels of all time. Published initially in serial form in 1859-60, it achieved an early and remarkable following, probably because of the strength of its characters, in particular the smooth and charming but utterly wicked villain Count Fosco, and the intelligent and steadfast Marian Halcombe opposed to him.
Read Less
Add this copy of The Woman in White to cart. $33.82, new condition, Sold by Ingram Customer Returns Center rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from NV, USA, published 2023 by Culturea.
I enjoy long books. After the first couple of chapters, this book held no interest for me at all. It goes on and on but is meaningless. If this is an example of of great Victorian mystery, then count me out. J/S
Sueh
Nov 19, 2011
One of my favorites
I had read this book before but wanted a copy of my own. Tho written in the mid-1800s, it has a lively contemporary feel. The Moonstone is also written by Collins. They are both great places to live, and since both are long novels, that can be for quite a while.
rolltide4sure
Jul 16, 2009
MYSTERY
Although this book may be called a great mystery story it is also a wonderful love story well worth reading.
lsaj
Jun 25, 2009
Excellent
Even though it can be a bit wordy, I think it only helps to develop the characters and story better. This book covers many genres..... romance, suspense, mystery. What else could you want in a book?
LisaT
Jun 25, 2009
Good book
I had to read it for school. At first it seemed overwhelming but I became enthralled and enjoyed every moment of it. I would recommend the book to anyone who enjoys tongue in cheek humor and subtleness. Wilke Collins is an excellent writer.
