The Woman in White 4: The Third Epoch - The Story Continued by Mrs. Catherick

A place to discuss the third epoch. From the story continued by Walter Hartright- The Story Continued by Mrs. Catherick.

Wow! From a gothic romance mystery to a first-rate detective story. This is a wonderful book. The structure seems unique to me in terms of the shifting narrative, along with the shifts in narrative style. Collins moves from 1st hand narrative to correspondence, and back. The characters are almost Dickenesque, yet not quite as overtly absurd, with the exception of good old Uncle Frederick! Love it!

I think this technique - which is quite common now - was quite new and experimental back then. Collins carries it off beautifully - and I don't think I'd enjoy the book as much if it wasn't narrated in different voices.

>2 hemlokgang:,3 I think you would also enjoy Collins' other mystery novel, The Moonstone, which has a similar narrative style.

The Moonstone got bumped up in my TBR pile as soon as I finished this one!

I was glad to see the return of Hartright. I don't know what to think about the switch of Laura and Anne. Laura seems a different person altogether. I am looking forward to the exciting conclusion. :)
--BJ

Agree with teelgee about the shifting narrators "making" the book. I read The Moonstone 8 or 9 years ago and loved it, but I'm finding this book even more entertaining. should finish tonight.

I had a hard time with The Moonstone but this novel has me hooked!

I had come up with some fantastic conclusions as to what the Secret was but did not even come close to figuring it out. I can't wait to read the rest and find out the details. That's what I like about 19th century novels: no stones are left unturned!