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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
Starting off strong before fizzling out into a moribund final sparkle, The Woman in White is, unfortunately, a lot more interesting to think/talk about than it is in and of itself. The primary point of conversation and highest strength of the novel is its structuring, offering a proto-courtroom-drama in which the narrative is suspended by a revolving cast of witness testimonial. It's really neat! It works well for the story, seems genuinely inspired, yada yada yada. Unfortunately, this is really the only area of excellence. Outside of the structure the characterization and plotting lay horribly thin. The central trio (more aptly a central duo, as one remains infantilized and objectified throughout) lack any and all complication or personality aside from providing a picturesque model of what must have been (for the time) Radical Victorian Virtue. If I'm going to enjoy a Virtue Piece, it has to be written on a moment-to-moment level not only with an eye for the engaging but with an entwinement of insight and commentary which allows the reader to more wholly understand the application of virtue to their own life. Collins is, flat-out, not a good sentence to sentence writer. He lacks a spark of inspiration which is remarkably hard to pin down, but becomes more prominent the more dialogue there is in the book. Most is exposition, fortunately. Well, unfortunately, because the exposition leads to the second issue, a massive slow-down of pacing after the First Epoch which not only drains an enthusiasm for trudging onwards but at times strains and insults the reader's intelligence (I do not need to have the machinations of the plot explained to me over and over). This is probably a result of the novel's serialization, understandable, but nonetheless frustrating to a modern reader. All in all, worthwhile to examine from a distance for its structure, sensationalist and molasses in actual experience.
There is plenty of long descriptions that aren't necessary, but it's rather enjoyable. It's taken me longer to read this book than the two days it took me to read Harry Potter 7, but it makes me think while I read.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
I never really knew much about this famous book. For some reason I thought it was a ghost story but it certainly isn’t one! It is all about betrayal, identity, justice and the tyranny of a patriarchal society.
It is written from various characters points of view but mainly Walter’s. I particularly enjoyed the view point of Marian’s (Laura’s sister) and her suspicions of Sir Percival and Count Fosco.
Count Fosco was my favourite character. I always like the villains! He was a nasty piece of work. A very eccentric, intelligent and dangerous man. The scenes he featured in I always enjoyed the most. He is one of those characters that I know will leave a lasting impression on me.
There is an air of mystery and foreboding weaved into a intricately plotted storyline. I must admit the writing is very dense like a lot of the Victorian classics are with very long descriptions about everything and everyone. But of course it is beautiful, eloquent writing.
If you enjoy atmospheric classics with compelling plot lines, some twists and turns, interesting well developed characters and a bit of romance this is the one for you. It is definitely one I would like to revisit again in the future.
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
the writing was one of the best i've encountered and although it is pretty long it doesn't feel like it. do recommend.
Similar language and writing to Jane Austen. Reminded me of Northanger Abbey. Slow at times. Had enough suspense and unanswered questions that I kept reading to the end, but took me some time.
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No