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The Woman in White

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The Woman in White

By: Wilkie Collins
Narrated by: Gabriel Woolf
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About this listen

The Woman in White, considered one of the first mystery novels and is the best known work of English novelist Wilkie Collins.

Late one night, a drawing teacher meets a mysterious woman dressed in white. Who is she, and what is her connection to the teacher's new pupil, a beautiful heiress?

Serialized in 1859 - 1860, and first published in book form in 1860 it is still regarded still as one of the best plots in English literature. Told from multiple perspectives, the story is brought to life by its marvellous villains and complex, spirited and believable female characters.

William Wilkie Collins (1824 - 1889) was an English novelist, playwright, and author of short stories.

Please note: This is a vintage recording. The audio quality may not be up to modern day standards.

Public Domain (P)2009 RNIB Classics Mystery Fiction Exciting
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Walter Hartwright has a strange meeting with a woman dressed all in white and helps her in her escape from an asylum. There begins a complex, superbly plotted and characterised story of Victorian skulduggery. It is told (like The Moonstone by the same author) by narratives given by the numerous protagonists. The author gives each a distinct tone to suit the character of the narrator and they all slot together beautifully.

The bulk of the story is carried by the magnificent Marion Halcombe, a resourceful and brave woman. This is a compelling story but at the same time the book also demonstrates how women were rendered powerless not just by having too little money but also by having too much. It is as much a social conscience novel as any by Dickens but in my view more subtle and above all more entertaining. The characterisation is well done. There is also a strong sense of menace in the central passages of the book.

I chose this reading as Gabriel Woolf is a voice I know from BBC drama and he has a lovely speaking voice. That is all in place but the recording itself is an old one and the production values let it down just a little. It is more of a reading than a performance with only subtle changes of voice and accent. The little corrections to the reading are not edited out and the rustle of pages is audible in the background. It was not enough to spoil my enjoyment but other listeners may find it distracting, I fear. It is nonetheless one I would happily listen to again, all twenty four hours of it. My attention was held throughout and the changes in narrators as they each shed new light on the story constantly refreshed it. A great listen!

Wonderful long, long, book

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Admittedly I have been a Wilkie Collins fan since my early 20s so it's no surprise to me that I thoroughly enjoyed this reading by the excellent Gabriel Woolf. I read A Woman in White more than 20 years ago and I have to say enjoyed it as much on revisiting in Audible as I did reading the hard copy. In fact, I couldn't wait to get back to it and continue the story. Although perhaps the sound quality is not as good in places as other books I have downloaded, Mr Woolf more than makes up for this with his wonderful characterisations, especially of the ebullient Count Vosco. A very satisfying listen and highly recommended - especially at the price.

Brilliant from beginning to end...

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One I have never got round to reading but will do again. Well performed by the narrator adopting differing voices for the various characters who take it in turn to carry the story forward. Allowed me to become immersed in the 1800's way of life, the social structures and relationships.

Gripping Classic Novel

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This is still a ripping good yarn with an excellent plot which incorporates twists and turns. The characters are well developed although I did find myself a little impatient with the insipid Laura Fairley but no doubt she was a woman of her time.

This book is excellently narrated by Gabriel Wolfe whose voice is perfectly suited to a victorian novel and lends it some gravitas.

At ?5.00 a pop what have you got to lose? This book should be on everyone's reading list.

The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

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I loved every minute of this book. Wilkie Collins is a master story teller, I found myself chocked with feelings of the helplessness for the heroine. Gabriel Woolf is the best as a narrator, I adore his voice! I now look for stories narrated by him.

Te Woman in White

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