long winded & gothic victorian novels are something that i have a growing appreciation for-except dickens- & that’s what collins not only accomplished but excelled at above others. a complete whirlwind, i’d get settled after comfortable reading the long chapters i really didn't see some of the twists coming. 

I loved the device of the story being told through different characters' statements, i felt it really elevated the story from the page through different perspectives in which the reader can connect to achieve a full understanding of the narrative. i was disappointed when i realised that it wasn’t a paranormal story at first but the eeriness & foreboding sense of deceit filled in that gap quite quickly, the figure of the character acting as a supernatural entity that has a profound impact on each character. she was not in it that much but was significant in her role as the overarching catalyst, everything circling around her to expose lots of shocking twists. 

i find it a shame that it may be quite difficult for some readers to get past the flowery prose & serial-esque over explanations to really appreciate the intricacy of the plot and style. it’s definitely a book that you have to focus on rather than use it to easily escape, but i think that’s the beauty of classics which i love. overall, the book could’ve been 400 pages tops but i can’t blame collins for showing off his writing because who wouldn’t want to experience it?