Still a fantastic read after more than a centurySeptember 21, 2008 This book was quite unlike any I had previously read. While it was written in 1859 it is still - almost 150 years later - a book as gripping as it presumably was all those years ago for Victorian and Edwardian readers brought up on such spooky classics as Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Dracula and Frankenstein.
Told in the form of letters and diaries of the different characters involved it unfolds bit by bit and keeps you guessing right up until the very end. Collins's characters seem to come alive and make a lasting impression. As a thriller it easily beats many modern-day thrillers and really does have an unequalled air of menace and threat. Despite its age it is immensely readable and is a true page turner. Simply a must!
SensationalMarch 28, 2008 For me what makes this novel great is not the love story between the social rising Walter Hartright and childish stereotypical heroine Laura Fairlie. Instead it is the depiction of the intelligent and brilliant Marian Halcombe and the wonderfully evil Count Fosco that reveals Collins' true writing talent. The speeches of these characters reveal feminist and social criticism adding an interesting dimension to the novel.
The plot itself is well constructed and the series of narrators makes the novel interesting and varied. The text is full of plot twists and is at times shocking, typical of sensation fiction. Admittedly some portions are a little tedious but I would definitely recommend reading this book.
YaaaaawwwwnnnMarch 27, 2008 0 out of 6 found this review helpful
This book is the most rambling, tiresome thing i have ever had the displeasure of reading. I finished it only because it was on my A level syllabus. Avoid like the plague
Excellent read.March 25, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I started reading this with low expectations and for the first 200 pages I was bored stiff. However...almost halfway through the book the action really starts and all of a sudden I was taking great interest. It's then that all those boring details started to come into their own and it all made sence. Somewhere between page 200 and 300 the book becomes impossible to put down! The twists were unpredictable and *gasp* worthy! In fact I am quite certain this will be one of those rare books I end up reading a second time but with greater appreciation for the start. I am also going to read some other of Wilkie Collins' books in future. Can't wait to see what else is to be found.
This book is well worth anyones time READ IT!
Brilliant book! Completely unpredictableJanuary 7, 2008 It took me a few pages to get into this book but after that I enjoyed it very much.
The book is extremely good and it's very unpredictable. Whenever you think you know what's going to happen next something completely different happens.
I haven't seen any of the other copies of this book so I can't comment on them but if you are going to buy this one (Oxford World's Classics) then I would because the paper wasn't to thin and cheap and also it wasn't badly printed.
Don't be put off by the size it is well worth reading! I would recommend this book.
