The Woman in White is a novel written by Wilkie Collins in 1859, published in 1860. It is considered among the first mystery novels and is widely regarded as one of the best in sensational novel genre.
The protagonist in the story is Walter Hartright. The story can be considered as an early detective fiction as he uses many sleuthing techniques. The multiple narratives draw on the author’s legal training.
Throughout the story the characters encounter a mysterious woman in white, whose own sad story seems entangled with those of Laura and her husband. She is the mysterious Anne Catherick, who apparently plays a crucial role in the main events. Hartright first encountered Anne Catherick on his last night in London but she reappears, having escaped from the mental asylum. Actually, she was committed by Sir Percival since Anne and her mother know a dark secret about him.
The story is told through the accounts by the main characters. Walter Hartright, is a poor artist, a drawing master employed to teach two young women, Laura Fairlie and Marian Halcombe, in Limmeridge House in Cumberland, owned by Frederick Fairlie, a selfish invalid and owner of Limmeridge House in Cumberland. He is Laura’s Uncle. Laura’s his supposed heir.
Hartright falls in love with pretty and fair Laura Fairlie. His feelings are returned, but she is already engaged to marry Baronet Sir Percival Glyde. Hartright and Laura are parted and she marries Glyde.
The real motive of Sir Percival Glyde surfaced after his marriage to Laura. He is determined to gain control over her Laura’s wealth and he plans to steal her fortune and identity. Glyde enlists the help of Count Fosco, a fat and sinister Italian, who greatly admires Marian for her intellect. By this Anne, “the woman in white,” has died. They then exploit the resemblance between Laura and Anne Catherick. They bury Anne under Laura’s name and commit her to an asylum under the name of Anne.
As a result, Laura is stripped of her name and money, and almost of her sanity. She is rescued by strong-minded Marian and with the help of faithful Hartright. He and Marian battle to reclaim Laura’s identity, fortune and position in society, and expose the fraud of her husband, Sir Percival Glyde.
Laura and Walter marry. Anne Catherick, the woman in white, has always worn white because of advice she received as a child from Laura’s late mother, whom she loved for her kindness.
Author Wilkie Collins is at his best, with a brilliant plot and careful manipulation of great scenes and suspense.
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