The Woman in White

By: Wilkie Collins

Narrated by: Josephine Bailey, Simon Prebble

Length: 25 hrs and 6 mins

Publisher's summary

One of the greatest mystery thrillers ever written, Wilkie Collins's The Woman in White was a phenomenal best seller in the 1860s, achieving even greater success than works by Charles Dickens. Full of surprise, intrigue, and suspense, this vastly entertaining novel continues to enthrall audiences today.

The story begins with an eerie midnight encounter between artist Walter Hartright and a ghostly woman dressed all in white who seems desperate to share a dark secret. The next day Hartright, engaged as a drawing master to the beautiful Laura Fairlie and her half sister, tells his pupils about the strange events of the previous evening.

Determined to learn all they can about the mysterious woman in white, the three soon find themselves drawn into a chilling vortex of crime, poison, kidnapping, and international intrigue.

Masterfully constructed, The Woman in White is dominated by two of the finest creations in all Victorian fiction: Marion Halcombe, dark, mannish, yet irresistibly fascinating, and Count Fosco, the sinister and flamboyant "Napoleon of Crime".

Public Domain (P)2010 Tantor

A tad long

Despite it turns to be an interesting story by the middle, the story is a bit long specially by the beginning where it gets to be a bit repetitive.

Pray Forgive My Feeble Attempt

I fear my poor efforts will not, alas, do justice to this fine tome. At the beginning, upon realizing it was over 25 hours of listening, I grew skeptical that my interest could be sustained. But shortly into the tale I grew faint with anticipation to continue. I found myself foregoing the modern entertainments, the talking boxes and even the boxes with forms that move. Excellence on every level was the reward for my perseverance. The only possible negative consequence of my efforts might be the change in my speech patterns but I hardly, upon reflection, truly consider that a negative. Huzzah!!! Huzzah!!!! I say.

This thing is awesome!

What made the experience of listening to The Woman in White the most enjoyable?

I have not even finished it and I can tell you this is a masterful novel. It is creepy and full of foreboding. The fact it was written in 1859 makes it even more interesting. The author of course takes much for granted and the vision of life in those days is wonderful. At one point one of the characters makes the comment that she is so happy the 19th century and its modern comforts had finally invaded the house where she was living. Fabulous. The characters are clearly drawn if a not quite nuanced enough for our modern sensibilities. The plotting couldn't be more interesting. I can't stop listening. I care about the characters.

What other book might you compare The Woman in White to and why?

I don't have a candidate. This is a psychological thriller of the first order. I think it might make a film, but will have to finish it first to know. Our modern need for action, action, action as exemplified by the Sherlock Holmes movies, probably means the subtle fears and thrills inherent in this story are too meek for Hollywood.

What about Josephine Bailey and Simon Prebble ’s performance did you like?

The performances are excellent. Character after character are performed with clear differences between their speech.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I had to put the book down when Lady Glyde died.

Any additional comments?

I had the very unusual experience of perusing a copy of the May 26th, 1860, Harper's Weekly that I found at a friend's house. The issue had an etching (after Brady) of Lincoln on the cover, as he had just gotten the Republican Nomination for President. Inside was an excerpt from....you guessed it...The Woman in White. A chapter I had just listened to the night before. To make it even more spectacular I saw this on...May 26th of this year, 2012...152 years to the day after publication. Do do do do...do do do do....you are in the twilight zone.

Great if you are having trouble sleeping

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I have trouble getting to sleep at night and this audiobook put me to sleep every night within 5 minutes.

What didn’t you like about Josephine Bailey and Simon Prebble ’s performance?

Joesephine's performance had a very clipped unemotional voice that made it hard to be involved with the characters. Simon's performance was better but still not very inclusive.

Fantastic -

I had to try this book twice - the opening is a bit slow but once you are through the set-up it is fantastic. Great characters, intriguing story, interesting story telling - highly recommend it.

Long.

Long saga like. Not very exciting but with twists and turns. Good to listen to
While doing other things like ironing or driving.

Excellent Classic!

If you could sum up The Woman in White in three words, what would they be?

eloquent

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

some, its a soft calm mystery. i listened while i was sewing. just a good well written story.

Have you listened to any of Josephine Bailey and Simon Prebble ’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

no, they were excellent

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

no

Florid, Overwrought and Wonderful

A captivating and engrossing foray into early Victorian life and crime. With memorable characters and a plot that takes fabulous twists and turns, this Wilkie Collins classic was hard to tear away from.

Thoroughly enjoyable!

Great characters and interesting plot twists make this story of treachery come alive.
Despite the publication date, the language does not feel dated.

Almost lost me at Mrs. Mickleson (sp?)...

Would you try another book from Wilkie Collins and/or Josephine Bailey and Simon Prebble ?

Josephine Bailey does an adequate job with most of the female characters in this work, although she delivers a rather wilted and insipid Laura- but I nearly had to give this wonderful book down during offering of Mrs Mickleson's account. Has to be heard to be fully appreciated, ugh, but sounds as if she is speaking down a long pipe-- tones bearing down on air (think Jan Brady as a fussy noblewoman down at heel and full of pride). Her vocals would have sent poor Mr Fairlie to his grave!

Would you be willing to try another one of Josephine Bailey and Simon Prebble ’s performances?

Simon, yes. Ms. Bailey, doubtful- depends upon the story.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Oh, yes.