THE WOMAN IN WHITE: - is a novel by Wilkie Collins. Published initially
in a serial form under the title of All the Year Round, this novel was
turned into book form in 1860. Highly appreciated for its plot and
characterization, the novel brought Collins great name and fame. A
decade later, he made it into a play. Inspired by an actual criminal
case, this dramatic tale is told through multiple narrators. Widely
considered as one of the earliest examples of crime fiction, this is the
story of what a woman's patience can endure, and what a man's resolution
can achieve.
A long but very rewarding book, the Woman in White is densely plotted
with a memorable cast of characters. The novel begins with Walter
Hartright's encounter with The Woman in White on a moonlit London road.
Soon, Walter is embroiled in the sinister intrigues of Sir Percival
Glyde and his friend Count Fosco who is cunning, intelligent and
extremely evil. He is also portrayed as a fascinating and dangerous
villain, turning this novel as a blend of Gothic horror and
psychological thriller. In short, it is a dark and chilling tale that
readers will enjoy to the hilt.