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nicovivi's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
kbkittyb's review against another edition
4.0
Despite this book having taken me a ridiculous amount of time to read that should have no bearing on your decision to read it. This is a typical victorian sensationalist novel. It is long, it is overly descriptive of mundane events, and the plot and events are highly unlikely ever to happen to anyone ever. HOWEVER, despite all of this it is a greatly enjoyable read. The characters are well formed, relatable and often likeable, it is incredibly well written and often exciting to read. Are there dull moments? Yes. Is it unrealistic? Also yes. Could it have used some major editing? Yes, 500 pages allows for too much description. But this in no way takes away from the positive aspects of this well written novel if you have the patience to power through.
A good, homey read. Would read again.
A good, homey read. Would read again.
kewwhite's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
3.5***
Walter Hartright, a teacher of drawing, has been engaged by Mr Fairlie of Limmeridge House to instruct his two nieces. As he begins the journey to the estate he encounters a mysterious woman dressed all in white. He helps her get on her way and later discovers she is escaped from an insane asylum. When he arrives at the estate he first meets Miss Marian Halcombe, the older half-sister of Miss Laura Fairlie. Marian is a forthright, intelligent woman, but not at all attractive. Laura is a shy, modest young lady of some beauty. But what impresses Hartright from the outset is that she bears a striking resemblance to the woman in white! Of course, he falls madly in love with Laura, but she is already engaged to marry Sir Percival Glyde. And so the intrigue begins …
This sensation of a novel was the first modern detective/mystery, and I’ve had it on my tbr list for a long time. I’m glad I finally read it, but it really is quite dated. The melodramatic scenarios and over-the-top dialogue had me chuckling in places where – I’m sure – the original readers felt horror or suspense. There are plenty of clues, but also a number of red herrings. The fact that it was originally serialized also contributes to the style – multiple narrators give evidence as they know it, letting the reader (and the characters) slowly piece together the puzzle. It holds up quite well, despite being a very Victorian book, and it’s easy to see why it remains a popular classic.
Walter Hartright, a teacher of drawing, has been engaged by Mr Fairlie of Limmeridge House to instruct his two nieces. As he begins the journey to the estate he encounters a mysterious woman dressed all in white. He helps her get on her way and later discovers she is escaped from an insane asylum. When he arrives at the estate he first meets Miss Marian Halcombe, the older half-sister of Miss Laura Fairlie. Marian is a forthright, intelligent woman, but not at all attractive. Laura is a shy, modest young lady of some beauty. But what impresses Hartright from the outset is that she bears a striking resemblance to the woman in white! Of course, he falls madly in love with Laura, but she is already engaged to marry Sir Percival Glyde. And so the intrigue begins …
This sensation of a novel was the first modern detective/mystery, and I’ve had it on my tbr list for a long time. I’m glad I finally read it, but it really is quite dated. The melodramatic scenarios and over-the-top dialogue had me chuckling in places where – I’m sure – the original readers felt horror or suspense. There are plenty of clues, but also a number of red herrings. The fact that it was originally serialized also contributes to the style – multiple narrators give evidence as they know it, letting the reader (and the characters) slowly piece together the puzzle. It holds up quite well, despite being a very Victorian book, and it’s easy to see why it remains a popular classic.
daizally's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
babciabunia's review against another edition
mysterious
tense
slow-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
2.5
lavinderosy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
tobymacl's review against another edition
5.0
This long book was gripping from start to finish. Told by many narrators it gains pace towards the end, but remains tightly plotted throughout. There are moments of shock and humour but the abiding sense is of an author enjoying the variety of voices, the slow release of mystery and an other worldly adventure. It took me 5 weeks to read but was worth every page