A review by tiffwaffles
No Name by Wilkie Collins

adventurous challenging mysterious tense medium-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? Yes

5.0

I was not expecting this book to be a five star read. As a matter of fact, I was expecting this to be a difficult and challenging read for me. One that would have probably been a three stars at most. I was not expecting to be blown away by the writing or the characters. The way that Collins depicts his women characters is absolutely phenomenal, in my opinion. They are very well developed characters that don't read as carbon copies of what women should be or what were expected of them in a society where misogyny reigned supreme.

As for the plot of this book... I can't say what I enjoyed most. Was it the exploration and condemnation of Victorian society, particularly when it comes to inheritance laws and the rights of women? Or was it Magdalen and her quest for revenge as she fights for the inheritance that was stolen from her and her sister? I think I can say that out of all of Collins' works that I have read thus far in my life, that No Name has the most memorable characters. I love Norah for what she is and what she represents... but I adored Magdalen, even though I felt that her voice was tiresome at some points scene four.

Also, Captain Wragge... Adored this character. He was absolutely hilarious. I only wish that this book was longer since I wanted to spend more time with all these characters.