Man and Wife by Wilkie Collins is a captivating and suspenseful novel that delves into the complexities of marriage and the role of women in Victorian society. The story follows the marriage of Anne Silvester and Geoffrey Delamayn, which is challenged by a scandalous secret that threatens to tear them apart.

Collins skillfully weaves a tale filled with twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they navigate the various obstacles faced by the characters. The plot is intricately crafted, with layers of deceit and betrayal that add depth to the narrative.

The characters are well-developed and dynamic, particularly Anne who is portrayed as a strong and independent woman ahead of her time. The exploration of gender roles and societal expectations adds an interesting layer to the story, making it a thought-provoking read.

Overall, Man and Wife is a compelling novel that explores themes of love, trust, and loyalty in a society that is bound by rigid conventions. Collins' masterful storytelling and engaging narrative make this book a must-read for fans of Victorian literature.

Book Description:
This 1870 novel by Wilkie Collins centers around a peculiarity of Scottish law of that time, according to which any man and woman 'who were legally entitled to marry and who asserted that they were married before witnesses, or in writing, were regarded in Scotland as being married in law.' This strange law causes the characters Arnold and Geoffrey both possibly accidentally marrying Anne, though one is engaged to another woman and the other is searching for a more wealthy wife to accomodate his lifestyle. In these circumstances, Anne needs to catch an actual husband in order to save her reputation...