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A review by sarahcoller
The Haunted Hotel by Wilkie Collins
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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
4.0
This was another fun read by Wilkie Collins --- even though the ending is very abrupt. Even though there's really not any explanation for the ultimate creepy event. Even though we don't really understand the role of the courier. Even though there are enough plot holes to crumble a palace-turned-hotel. Even though... he's still one of my favorites.
Almost last line: <i>"Let it be recorded that Mrs. ____________ never again attempted to persuade her husband into betraying his secrets. Other men's wives, hearing of this extraordinary conduct... naturally regarded her with compassionate contempt (and) as 'rather old-fashioned'."</i>
Hahahahahaha!
One thing I especially love about Collins is his use of form. He often tells his stories with multiple narrators. With this one, we get the third person narrator but it is still told in such a way as to think we are getting different points of view. Then, to top it all, the entire part of the story that had been hidden from us throughout is told near the end in the form of a manuscript for a play. Genius.
Almost last line: <i>"Let it be recorded that Mrs. ____________ never again attempted to persuade her husband into betraying his secrets. Other men's wives, hearing of this extraordinary conduct... naturally regarded her with compassionate contempt (and) as 'rather old-fashioned'."</i>
Hahahahahaha!
One thing I especially love about Collins is his use of form. He often tells his stories with multiple narrators. With this one, we get the third person narrator but it is still told in such a way as to think we are getting different points of view. Then, to top it all, the entire part of the story that had been hidden from us throughout is told near the end in the form of a manuscript for a play. Genius.