The Woman in White
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The Woman in White
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Narrated by:
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Roger Rees
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Rosalyn Landor
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John Lee
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Judy Geeson
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Written by:
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Wilkie Collins
About this listen
Young Walter Hartright meets the mysterious woman in white in what soon became one of the most popular novels of the 19th century. Secrets, mistaken identities, surprise revelations, amnesia, locked rooms and locked asylums, and an unorthodox villain made this mystery thriller an instant success when it first appeared in 1860, and it has continued to enthrall ever since.
From the hero's foreboding before his arrival at Limmeridge House to the nefarious plot concerning the beautiful Laura, the breathtaking tension of Collins's narrative created a new literary genre of suspense fiction, which profoundly shaped the course of English popular writing.
Generally considered the first English sensation novel, The Woman in White features the remarkable heroine Marian Halcombe and her sleuthing partner, drawing-master Walter Hartright, pitted against the diabolical team of Count Fosco and Sir Percival Glyde. A gripping tale of murder, intrigue, madness, and mistaken identity, Collins's psychological thriller has never been out of print since its publication in 1860.
While Collins's other great mystery, The Moonstone, has been called the finest detective story ever written, it was this work that so gripped the imagination of the world that Wilkie Collins had his own tombstone inscribed "Author of The Woman in White."
Public Domain (P)2009 Blackstone Audio, Inc.What the critics say
- Audie Award Finalist, Classics, 2011
"Collins was a master craftsman, whom many modern mystery-mongers might imitate to their profit." (Dorothy L. Sayers)
What listeners say about The Woman in White
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Nilton C. Teixeira
- 2024-03-08
Superb writing!
It is said that “The Woman in White” is the first and most influential of the Victorian genre that combined Gothic horror with psychological realism and it’s one of the first English-language detective novels.
The genre was labeled as “epistolary fiction” as well as “sensation fiction” (the last one is new to me).
If you decide to read this book, please keep in mind (at all times) that it was written in 1859/1860, and set in London, England, between 1849 & 1850.
Sexism, classism, xenophobia, racism and other behaviours were common and considered normal back then.
It does require some patience, but it’s an easy read. The last 30%, in my opinion, was riveting.
This is a book to be read in small doses, as it was originally intended (it was published through periodicals). I did contemplate reading different books between, but I was afraid that it would take me way longer to finish it, so I avoided all temptations (I could have easily read 5 books during the time it took me to read this one).
But the writing is superb!
This book critiques the gender and class inequalities of Victorian society and the narrative, which explores themes of identity, deception and justice is impeccable!
The storytelling is not very gripping because the development is very slow, but if you like that writing style, you are in for a treat.
I loved the structure of the book and the multiples POVs. It was so well constructed! A terrific concept for the era.
The characters are very interesting and strong, but it takes time to warm up to them.
The twists were clever and satisfying.
The audiobook narrated by Roger Rees, Rosalyn Landor, John Lee and Judy Geeson is an excellent option or complement (I did listen at the same time as I read the paperback - Oxford World’s Classic edition).
ebook - Oxford World’s Classic edition (Kobo): 1019 pages, 277 words
Paperback - Oxford World’s Classic edition (reissued 2008): 756 pages (cover to cover)
Audiobook (2009) narrated by Roger Rees, Rosalyn Landor, John Lee and Judy Geeson: 25h45min25sec (normal speed) - the audiobook is true to the book word by word, with no difference whatsoever. As I listened and read simultaneously, I can testify that, as for the story alone, not a single letter was omitted or added.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- John Le Blanc
- 2019-05-21
Captivating!
What a pleasant surprise! Suspense. Intrigue. Well-drawn characters. Tight plot. Satisfying ending. Innoavative and compelling narrative structure. Rich language. And written in 1860! Who knew a “sensational” novel written back then and one of the earliest “mysteries” could age so well and appeal to modern sensibilities. The shared audiobook narration was superb and really enhanced the structure. I’m certainly impressed with Wilkie Collins and will definitely read the Moonstone.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Winelover
- 2020-08-11
Wow, what a story and performance!
So many twists and turns, it kept you engaged and excited for the next time you had time to read. It was hard to believe it was written in 1859! It started a bit slow and took a bit getting used to the different narratives. Several characters took turns narrating their part of the story- kind of like testifying in a court of law. I loved this book. I haven't been so moved by a story and performance in a long time. I can't count how many times I gasped listening to this story because I didn't see "that" coming. I mean, just when you think you have it figured out, then you're blindsided by another twist. I felt each narrator did an excellent job narrating their different storytellers.
This is the first Wilkie Collins book I've read and it won't be the last. I just bought No Name. I actually never heard of Wilkie Collins until I read a biography on Charles Dickens by Claire Tomalin. And since Dickens mentored Collins, I thought I should try a book from him. I was not disappointed.
I would wholehearted recommend this book and will definitely listen to it again.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- saraparas
- 2019-05-18
Epic
Puts all more popular TV mysteries and thrillers in a different light, and I have not encountered a more superb narration.
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- Jason Campbell
- 2021-09-28
schadenfreude
The Woman in White.
The Woman in White, was the next book in my list of 100 books you should read before you die.
schadenfreude is the word that came to mind when I listened to this audiobook. Much like Wuthering Heights there is a lot of surfing. People being taken advantage of by cruel and selfish people. Sadly listening to this book was also painful for me. As it felt like it drowned on and on.
I did enjoy that the book reads from the perspective of many of its characters and the narrator's do a fantastic job. Despite the droning on.
I will not spoil the ending, you my dear readers will have to suffer the story as I have to find out.
I am not saying that this is a terrible story. It has some virtues, however it did not captivate me. I mean no offense to any one who truly enjoys this book. I only say that for me I could not really find this story that enjoyable.
As ever and always I want to thank everyone involved in the creation, publication, production, distribution, and supporting both the written and audiobook format.
Yours
David Evil Midknight
P.S
Disclaimer
I am not an author of any book that I review. I have no affiliation with any organization responsible for the production and the distribution of any book I review. I am not a promoter in any way.
I am Dyslexic a disability that makes the enjoyment of reading and writing taxing. However I do believe in facing your challenges. Thus I mainly listen to Audiobooks as I work. My review's are me exercising my comprehension of the book I just listened to. In putting my thoughts in words I am attempting to better myself.
My reviews are not meant to offend. I realise that everyone has their own opinions. I will not get into dog fights over my statement.
Understand and expect spelling errors, poor grammar, and I may sometimes misuse a phrase. Pointing my mistakes can be educational. I only ask you do it with kindness.
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