The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins

The story of the unhappy Laura Fairlie and the plot to deprive her of her fortune is as gripping now as when Collins first wrote it in 1860. Who is the mysterious woman in white? Can she save Laura from the dark world of powerful and dangerous men?

The story is considered to be among the first mystery novels and is widely regarded by many critics as one of the finest in the genre of ‘sensation novels’, focusing on subject matter such as kidnapping, insanity, forgery and seduction.

The action takes place during the summer and spring of the years 1861 and 1862, in the drawing room of Limmeridge Hall, Cumberland.

Sir Percival Glyde is being hounded for money by his old friend, the sinister Count Fosco, so his marriage to the heiress Laura Fairlie is for one reason only - her fortune. As events unfold, Glyde’s efforts to secure the money become more desperate and cruel. Combined with this tale of disturbing intrigue are elements of romance as Laura turns for support to her drawing tutor, Walter Hartright. Comedy is also provided by her hypochondriac uncle. The resulting mix has been skillfully adapted by Constance Cox from Wilkie Collins’ novel.