Penguin Classics: The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins

First published in 1859, Wilkie Collins’ The Woman in White is one of the earliest and most influential mystery novels ever written — a gothic masterpiece that paved the way for modern detective fiction.

When art teacher Walter Hartright encounters a mysterious woman dressed in white on a moonlit London road, he unwittingly becomes entangled in a web of secrets, deception, and forbidden love. What begins as a chance meeting spirals into a dark conspiracy involving the wealthy Fairlie family, the enigmatic Sir Percival Glyde, and the cunning Count Fosco.

Told through multiple narrators, the novel masterfully combines psychological intrigue, social commentary, and emotional depth, keeping readers gripped from its haunting opening to its satisfying resolution.

This Penguin Classics edition presents the definitive text, complete with insightful notes and an introduction exploring the novel’s literary and cultural impact.

Main Themes of the Book

• Identity, secrecy, and deception
• Love, morality, and social constraints in Victorian England
• The struggle for women’s independence and truth
• Madness and manipulation
• Justice, integrity, and moral courage

Why you should read this book

• One of the founding works of modern mystery and suspense fiction.
• Written by Wilkie Collins, a close friend and collaborator of Charles Dickens.
• A beautifully written gothic classic with unforgettable characters.
• Blends romance, crime, and psychological tension in perfect balance.
• This Penguin Classics edition includes scholarly insights and historical context for deeper appreciation.

The Woman in White remains one of the most captivating and influential novels in English literature. With its haunting atmosphere, intricate plot, and exploration of truth and deception, Wilkie Collins delivers a timeless story that continues to inspire readers and writers alike. A must-read for fans of classic mystery, gothic fiction, and psychological drama.