I'm not one to recommend or write a review about a book I haven't even finished, much less gone halfway through. But for the past two days, I haven't been able to tear myself away from Wilkie Collins's sensational novel The Woman in White.
It's a doorstop of a novel, having more than 600 pages (not including the more than 100 pages that constitute the introduction and the afterword, which I had no plans of reading). I was expecting the novel to start out slow, but, much to my surprise, the plot had my interest right from the start.
If you're longing for a very atmospheric read, then The Woman in White is for you. It's also one of Collins's more famous sensational mystery novels. The novel has everything that I'm craving for right now -- a bit of a Gothic touch, a creepiness factor, family secrets, and a slightly convoluted plot. I just can't wait to finish it.
19 comments:
how many books can you finish in a month, peter? i am often reluctant to start reading my heftier tomes because of the quantity challenge i set for myself (60 reads a year)--which is why i have been choosing to read fast-paced urban fantasies these past months. i want to make sure i can reach my target before i start with historical mysteries in my TBR, like the Glass Books of the Dream Eaters by Dahlquist.
Hi, Mitch! I usually finish around 5 to 6 books a month (10 in a good month), depending on the length of the novel. Judging from the length of this novel and the work I have for this week, I think I can finish this within a week.
I don't really have a target number of books in a year, but lately I've been averaging at 60.
I'm so glad to hear that, Peter. I read this for my 'Gothic Literature' module in university and absolutely loved it. It's definitely one of the best 20th century gothic novels out there. :-D I can't wait to see your final review for it.
Hi, Ceri! I'm going to look for other Collins novels tomorrow!
I hope to get around to reading this after Christmas. It is one of the those books I have had forever. It has had such good reviews of late, I just know I need to dig it out.
Hello, Vivienne! I'm sure you'll like this.
Peter, I'm so glad you can't seem to step away from this novel (always a good sign LOL). So many bloggers have raved about this one recently. It's on my list and shelf as I purchased it recently.
Hi, Diane! Yes, this novel seems to be going around the blogosphere a lot quite recently.
This really is a fabulous book; Wilkie Collins was a 19th-century author, not 20th (died in 1888 I believe). He's often said to be the 'father' of the detective novel, a title he earned most particularly with his other most well-known novel, 'The Moonstone', which comes complete with policeman...another one to get on the TBR pile, if you haven't already!
One of my favorite all time books. Count Fosco is the best villian ever! You should try The Moonstone next.
Thanks for the recommendation! I'm adding it to my list. :)
I've really been wanting to read this one for a while. Do you suggest reading the introduction before reading? I've had incidences when the introduction gave away spoilers that I wasn't aware of!
Glad you're loving it. you're right, it is so good! I read it earlier this summer and it was my first introduction to Wilkie Collins.
@Cynewyn: I've read The Moonstone when I was 14 and I loved it! I think I'll reread it soon.
@Lula O: I think I'll try Armidale next, since I've read The Moonstone.
@Michelle: You're welcome.
@Jenny: I don't read the introductions at all. They're very lengthy so I guess they'll include major spoilers.
@Amanda: I just love Wilkie Collins.
So glad you're enjoying this. It's a great book. It's my favourite Wilkie Collins. Other good ones are Armadale and No Name.
Hi, Mrs. B! I actually bought Armadale today. I'm still looking for No Name though.
Yay! Another Wilkie Collins fan. The Moonstone is my favourite.
Hi Peter! This is Cecille from FFP, here via Blooey's link to your site.
I've tried to read "The Woman in White" several times but can't seem to get past that part with the sisters in the schoolroom (?).
But I recommend "The Moonstone", which I loved even though it's long like TWoW.
Hello, Cecille! Thanks for dropping by!
I've read The Moonstone way way back. I think I was still 13 when I read it. Nevertheless, I loved it!
I also am enjoying The Woman in White. I think it's very engaging.
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