Reviews

The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

charliebriggs96's review against another edition

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4.0

“No sensible man ever engages, unprepared, in a fencing match with of words with a woman”.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

I am not a classics fan. That was until I read this book and now I want to read everything Wilkie Collins. The Woman in White is tremendous in its presentation of a Victorian mystery. Each character has a great depth, and overall, are easily both loved and liked by the reader. Walter, the ‘editor’ of the book itself, makes you wonder if what he has published is the truth. Marian, his intellectual equal, is the life of the book. Each scene with her in it made me smile because of her whit and kindness. Overall, this is a great book. However the last 100 pages let it down greatly, and honestly, were unneeded. But I would recommend it, as it is a fun read.

iww2002's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

mvatza57's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

dannycakez8808's review against another edition

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4.0

I really loved this twisted tale! The writing seems advanced for it's time and I loved the different mystery elements. I also enjoyed the alternative points of view to unravel the story. This one is a true gem.

whatcarlaread's review against another edition

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mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

wordsofclover's review against another edition

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mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

daggrmissel's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Wow this novel has; mystery, love, intrigue, life lessons, character development, social commentary, layers pulled back. These are my spit ball thoughts on having turned the last page. I was engrossed!! 

karaklos's review against another edition

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5.0

The Woman in White is one of the most atmospheric books I have ever read. Spooky and full of mystery, Wilkie Collins kept me guessing. Well-written with lots of humor peppered throughout, it was a fun read.

Told from the perspective of multiple characters (sometimes but not always like testimony in a trial), it grants great insight into each person’s character, thoughts, and motives. I loved that Collins had a strong female character in Marian Halcombe to combat the villiany characters. I wish Collins had included Marian in the last part of the book. After she becomes ill, she’s no longer involved in the action. I felt like Marian abandoned us which was disappointing after her earlier sleuthing. I enjoyed the dialogue and interactions with Marian and Count Fosco. Their mutual attraction and respect despite being on opposite sides was humorous.

The descriptions of the landscape mirror the story and add an element of gloom that made me more and more fearful for the characters as the story went on.

There were many silly moments which were probably not considered silly in 1859 that made the book melodramatic at times. Collins tied up all of the loose ends very nicely. Cleverly written and suspenseful but also very dense requiring more concentration than your average mystery.

irishenglish's review against another edition

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

kayceeskidmore's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0