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A review by mimi_jaja
The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
dark
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
If you fancy GOTHIC tropes and atmosphere this definitely delivers!
I loved Mariane Halcombe and how Collins creates cinematic scenes, describing the fall of light and casting of shadows. He pays great attention to subtleties of character's expressions during dialogue. I was also surprised at times by the nuanced manner in which Collins depicted women's experiences, sisterhood, relationships and interactions with men that appeared in Mariane's passages. That said, Walter's place in the narrative as a white knight in shining armour spoilt the feminist potential of the story. The morality was also dubious. Also, I would say that the fatphobia throughout is pretty extreme. The representation of Italians was offensive but interesting as a snapshot of tolerant vs intolerant attitudes at the time.
I listened along to the audiobook as I read my paperback too which I can recommend. I was hooked! This was a pleasure to read and didn't feel at all like 600 pages.
I loved Mariane Halcombe and how Collins creates cinematic scenes, describing the fall of light and casting of shadows. He pays great attention to subtleties of character's expressions during dialogue. I was also surprised at times by the nuanced manner in which Collins depicted women's experiences, sisterhood, relationships and interactions with men that appeared in Mariane's passages. That said, Walter's place in the narrative as a white knight in shining armour spoilt the feminist potential of the story. The morality was also dubious. Also, I would say that the fatphobia throughout is pretty extreme. The representation of Italians was offensive but interesting as a snapshot of tolerant vs intolerant attitudes at the time.
I listened along to the audiobook as I read my paperback too which I can recommend. I was hooked! This was a pleasure to read and didn't feel at all like 600 pages.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia
Moderate: Mental illness, Forced institutionalization, and Xenophobia
Minor: Death of parent, Murder, and Emotional abuse