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A review by remilauren
The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
4.0
The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins is considered of the finest sensational mystery works of the times. In a novel style of writing, we are the judge of the crimes as the protagonist Walter Hartwright documents the witness notes. The story unfolds in the voices of multiple characters just as a legal proceeding would.
Walter Hartwright, an art teacher is tasked to teach young girls at Limmeridge. On his way, he encounters a strangely dressed woman, whom he helps escape. Upon reaching, he discovers that this woman bears a striking resemblance to one of his students, Laura Fairlie, the heiress of Limmeridge. The story traverses the lives of Hartwright, Laura and Marian, how they part to lead separate lives but unite again for a cause.
The story paints a grim picture of how women were merely seen as wealthy objects to be inherited, how little the laws could help a married woman. Our protagonists are pitched against wealthy resourceful men, and left without money to initiate a proceeding in court, they are forced to take this route to ensure justice prevails.
Thought there are several characters narrating, the two main voices are of Hartwright and Marian. She is so dedicated to her sister that she goes out of her way and does things no woman would think of doing in those times. She's smart, witty and determined, so much so that she's admired by the villain of the story!!
While reading, bear in mind that this piece of work written years ago. We have advanced a lot in terms of technology and thus the plot may sound simple. But it's beautifully woven, has a lot of enjoyable elements and overall a great book to read.
Walter Hartwright, an art teacher is tasked to teach young girls at Limmeridge. On his way, he encounters a strangely dressed woman, whom he helps escape. Upon reaching, he discovers that this woman bears a striking resemblance to one of his students, Laura Fairlie, the heiress of Limmeridge. The story traverses the lives of Hartwright, Laura and Marian, how they part to lead separate lives but unite again for a cause.
The story paints a grim picture of how women were merely seen as wealthy objects to be inherited, how little the laws could help a married woman. Our protagonists are pitched against wealthy resourceful men, and left without money to initiate a proceeding in court, they are forced to take this route to ensure justice prevails.
Thought there are several characters narrating, the two main voices are of Hartwright and Marian. She is so dedicated to her sister that she goes out of her way and does things no woman would think of doing in those times. She's smart, witty and determined, so much so that she's admired by the villain of the story!!
While reading, bear in mind that this piece of work written years ago. We have advanced a lot in terms of technology and thus the plot may sound simple. But it's beautifully woven, has a lot of enjoyable elements and overall a great book to read.