Experimental feature: Order Man and Wife PT. 2: A Novel and Short Stories: Miss or Mrs.?; The Frozen Deep from the UK, Canada, Germany or France by clicking an appropriate flag below.

               

Some items available at Amazon.com are not available in all countries.

Binding: Library Binding
EAN: 9781582010250
ISBN: 1582010250
Label: Classic Publishers
Manufacturer: Classic Publishers
Number Of Items: 1
Book Pages: 615
Publication Date: 1999-01
Publisher: Classic Publishers
Studio: Classic Publishers

Man and Wife (1870) combines the fast pace and sensational plot structure of Collins's most famous novels with a biting attack on the inequitable marriage laws in Victorian Britain. At its centre is the plight of a woman who fears that the archaic marriage laws of Scotland and Ireland may have forced her into committing unintentional bigamy. As the novel progresses, the atmosphere grows increasingly sinister when the setting moves from a country house to a London suburb and a world of confinement, plotting, and murder.

Customer Rating:
Review Summary: Wilkie Collins in good form..
Review: In general, I have not been impressed with the works of Wilkie Collins outside his "big 4" novels ('The Woman in White', 'No Name', 'Armadale', and 'The Moonstone'). 'Man and Wife' was written right after 'The Moonstone', the last of his really successful novels. Sadly, this novel is unjustly overlooked by Wilkie Collins fans. It's actually a fun read.

'Man and Wife' is a complicated story about a young couple, and their friends/family, caught up in the consequences of lax marriage laws during the Victorian era. At that time folks in Scotland were considered married if they simply announced it. No need for marriage licenses, blood tests, etc. Wilkie Collins's gift of building the suspense works well, and the book's ending is unexpected (and terrific).

'Man and Wife' is every bit as good as, say, 'The Moonstone'. However for Wilkie Collins neophytes I suggest first trying 'The Woman in White' or 'No Name' (..both are my favorites).

PS - I think the previous reviewer is mistaken. This book has nothing to do with intrusive mother-in-laws.

---

Customer Rating:
Review Summary: The Agony of Divorce
Review: This was actually a fun read. It's an anti-mother-in-law book. It's also about divorce. Despite the Victorian horror of the subject, I can't help thinking that we modern folk could learn something from this book. Little things mostly, like avoiding temptation and not placing your spouse in temptation. Probably the biggest thing I learned was not to have your mother-in-law live with you. Good advice in any age.

---

---