What one reviewer said about The Woman in White (Classics) by Wilkie Collins:
I read The Woman in White with some trepidation. I feared that it might contain the starchy language often used in mid-19th century novels, or be some sugar-coated romantic drivel (eg, damesels in distress looking for Mr. Darcy or Heathcliff). I am relieved to report The Woman in White, as other reviewers before me have reported, is actually a very tight, unpredictable suspense novel. It's story is a bit complex, but Collins unravels it rather nicely. And its language is very easy to follow, without archaic local expressions found in other novels (eg, by Hardy or Eliott) of that time.
I found most of The Woman in White to be utterly delightful. The story is fascinating, and I found myself continually trying to read just a few extra pages to see what happens next. However the book eventually runs out of steam, to the extent it only becomes fairly interesting (versus thoroughly engaging). Part of this is due simply to its length (600+ pages, which is long for a suspense novel).
Bottom line: The Woman in White is a fine read for most readers (> 16 years of age). And it should appeal equally to both men and women. I will certainly look to read other novels by Wilkie Collins.
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