The Woman in White

by Wilkie Collins

paperback, 504 pages

English language

Published Jan. 5, 2005 by Dover Publications.

ISBN:: 978-0-486-44096-5
OCLC Number:: 60329691

(21 reviews)

Mistaken identities, locked rooms, madness, and romance—these are a few of the ingredients the author (one of the most successful and popular Victorian writers) used to inspire "the 'creepy' effect, as of pounded ice dropped down the back," that, according to one of his friends, was Wilkie Collins's aim in writing The Woman in White. Popularly regarded as one of the author's finest works, and widely copied by other writers, this thriller was the prototype for a whole new genre of fiction: the "sensation novel."

A scheming nobleman, a beautiful heiress, and, of course, the enigmatic woman in white—a mysterious figure confined to an asylum for the insane—are the featured players in an intricate, compelling story that was acclaimed by Henry James and T. S. Eliot. An instant success when it first appeared in 1860, the riveting tale has continued to enthrall readers ever since.

101 editions

Marsha Woerner reviewed Woman in White Annotated Wilkie Collins Best Book by Wilkie Collins

Review of 'Woman in White Annotated Wilkie Collins Best Book' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

So far, I'm unimpressed. But I've really just started…
I am no longer unimpressed! I found the beginning boring, but the tie in later was good. This story, overall, was intriguing and engaging. My only disappointment in the end turned the Countess, but I can't go into details without making my review a partial spoiler, which I really don't want to do. I have read that this book and The Moonstone by the same author are the 1st 2 examples of ministries in English language novels. Although they are not either one "murder mysteries", they certainly both have mystery bases, and the way the story is presented and wound around is quite intriguing. I think I need to reread The Moonstone now it's been so long since I read it. It's kind of nice and refreshing to go back and read old classics…

Jamie reviewed The woman in white by Wilkie Collins (Penguin classics)

Review of 'The woman in white' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

So impressed with how well Wilkie Collins managed multiple authentic voices in this. Strayed a bit in the denouement.

Sharyl reviewed The woman in white by Wilkie Collins (Penguin classics)

Review of 'The woman in white' on 'Goodreads'

3 stars

(My rating is 3.5)

Written in 1859, this tome is considered to be one of the earliest detective novels. Overall, I enjoyed it, though I found the pacing to be inconsistent; some parts were riveting, while other parts seemed to drag. Wilkie Collins creates some interesting characters, particularly one Count Fosco. The plot is intriguing, and I'd be interested in seeing the 1982 version of the movie.

okenwillow reviewed La dame en blanc by Wilkie Collins

Review of 'La dame en blanc' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

Je pensais mettre une semaine au moins pour lire ce pavé à l’écriture minuscule, que nenni !
J’ai dévoré cette brique de 554 pages ! Le style de Wilkie Collins est tout simplement délicieux, on plonge dans une autre époque, on redécouvre les mœurs d’une Angleterre victorienne passablement arriérée. Si l’histoire parait de prime abord assez simpliste, l’intrigue est habilement mise en place, le suspens et l’action prennent leur temps, les événements suivent leur cours à leur rythme. L’histoire est racontée par différents personnages et chacun a sa propre manière et son propre style. La noirceur du roman réside dans la psychologie des personnages et de la mentalité de l’époque. La perversité des relations humaines est illustrée à merveille par Collins. Le dénouement est certes prévisible mais c’est le déroulement des faits qui m’émerveille, plus que la solution de l’intrigue elle-même.
J’avais bien aimé Voie sans issue, écrit avec Charles …