Little Novels By: Wilkie Collins (1824-1889)
Little Novels by Wilkie Collins is a collection of compelling and intriguing short stories that showcase the author's masterful storytelling skills. Although not as well-known as his longer novels, this collection is a hidden gem filled with captivating narratives that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end. One of the standout features of this collection is Collins' ability to create richly developed characters within the limited framework of a short story. Each protagonist is unique, and their emotions and motivations are expertly portrayed, allowing readers to become fully immersed in their worlds. From the desperate woman seeking justice to the manipulative schemer, Collins brings his characters to life in a way that is both relatable and engrossing. Moreover, the plots in Little Novels are skillfully crafted, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the final page. Collins demonstrates his mastery of suspense, utilizing suspenseful pacing and clever plot devices to create a sense of intrigue and anticipation. Each story presents a puzzle for the reader to solve, as well as thought-provoking moral dilemmas that linger long after the book is closed. Collins' writing style is elegant and evocative, transporting readers to the Victorian era with its richly detailed settings and authentic dialogue. The author's keen eye for detail enables readers to vividly picture the scenes and settings, enhancing the overall reading experience. Additionally, Collins seamlessly weaves themes of love, betrayal, and justice into each story, presenting them in a thought-provoking manner that still resonates with contemporary readers. While the brevity of the stories may be seen as a drawback for those who prefer longer novels, it is precisely this concise nature that allows Collins to deliver impactful narratives that are memorable and pack a powerful punch. The short story format also showcases the author's versatility, as he effortlessly transitions between different genres and tones, from mysterious Gothic tales to heartfelt romances. Overall, Little Novels by Wilkie Collins is a captivating collection that showcases the author's storytelling genius at its finest. With its well-developed characters, enthralling plots, and evocative writing, this compilation is a must-read for fans of classic literature and lovers of short stories. Wilkie Collins proves once again why he remains one of the titans of Victorian literature, and this collection serves as a testament to his enduring legacy. First Page: LITTLE NOVELS By Wilkie Collins MRS. ZANT AND THE GHOST. I. THE course of this narrative describes the return of a disembodied spirit to earth, and leads the reader on new and strange ground. Not in the obscurity of midnight, but in the searching light of day, did the supernatural influence assert itself. Neither revealed by a vision, nor announced by a voice, it reached mortal knowledge through the sense which is least easily self deceived: the sense that feels. The record of this event will of necessity produce conflicting impressions. It will raise, in some minds, the doubt which reason asserts; it will invigorate, in other minds, the hope which faith justifies; and it will leave the terrible question of the destinies of man, where centuries of vain investigation have left it in the dark. Having only undertaken in the present narrative to lead the way along a succession of events, the writer declines to follow modern examples by thrusting himself and his opinions on the public view. He returns to the shadow from which he has emerged, and leaves the opposing forces of incredulity and belief to fight the old battle over again, on the old ground. II. THE events happened soon after the first thirty years of the present century had come to an end. On a fine morning, early in the month of April, a gentleman of middle age (named Rayburn) took his little daughter Lucy out for a walk in the woodland pleasure ground of Western London, called Kensington Gardens... Continue reading book >>

Little Novels By: Wilkie Collins (1824-1889)

Little Novels by Wilkie Collins is a collection of compelling and intriguing short stories that showcase the author's masterful storytelling skills. Although not as well-known as his longer novels, this collection is a hidden gem filled with captivating narratives that will keep readers engaged from beginning to end.

One of the standout features of this collection is Collins' ability to create richly developed characters within the limited framework of a short story. Each protagonist is unique, and their emotions and motivations are expertly portrayed, allowing readers to become fully immersed in their worlds. From the desperate woman seeking justice to the manipulative schemer, Collins brings his characters to life in a way that is both relatable and engrossing.

Moreover, the plots in Little Novels are skillfully crafted, with unexpected twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the final page. Collins demonstrates his mastery of suspense, utilizing suspenseful pacing and clever plot devices to create a sense of intrigue and anticipation. Each story presents a puzzle for the reader to solve, as well as thought-provoking moral dilemmas that linger long after the book is closed.

Collins' writing style is elegant and evocative, transporting readers to the Victorian era with its richly detailed settings and authentic dialogue. The author's keen eye for detail enables readers to vividly picture the scenes and settings, enhancing the overall reading experience. Additionally, Collins seamlessly weaves themes of love, betrayal, and justice into each story, presenting them in a thought-provoking manner that still resonates with contemporary readers.

While the brevity of the stories may be seen as a drawback for those who prefer longer novels, it is precisely this concise nature that allows Collins to deliver impactful narratives that are memorable and pack a powerful punch. The short story format also showcases the author's versatility, as he effortlessly transitions between different genres and tones, from mysterious Gothic tales to heartfelt romances.

Overall, Little Novels by Wilkie Collins is a captivating collection that showcases the author's storytelling genius at its finest. With its well-developed characters, enthralling plots, and evocative writing, this compilation is a must-read for fans of classic literature and lovers of short stories. Wilkie Collins proves once again why he remains one of the titans of Victorian literature, and this collection serves as a testament to his enduring legacy.

First Page:

LITTLE NOVELS

By Wilkie Collins

MRS. ZANT AND THE GHOST.

THE course of this narrative describes the return of a disembodied spirit to earth, and leads the reader on new and strange ground.

Not in the obscurity of midnight, but in the searching light of day, did the supernatural influence assert itself. Neither revealed by a vision, nor announced by a voice, it reached mortal knowledge through the sense which is least easily self deceived: the sense that feels.

The record of this event will of necessity produce conflicting impressions. It will raise, in some minds, the doubt which reason asserts; it will invigorate, in other minds, the hope which faith justifies; and it will leave the terrible question of the destinies of man, where centuries of vain investigation have left it in the dark.

Having only undertaken in the present narrative to lead the way along a succession of events, the writer declines to follow modern examples by thrusting himself and his opinions on the public view. He returns to the shadow from which he has emerged, and leaves the opposing forces of incredulity and belief to fight the old battle over again, on the old ground.

II.

THE events happened soon after the first thirty years of the present century had come to an end.

On a fine morning, early in the month of April, a gentleman of middle age (named Rayburn) took his little daughter Lucy out for a walk in the woodland pleasure ground of Western London, called Kensington Gardens... Continue reading book >>

Genres for this book
Fiction
Literature

eBook links
Wikipedia – Wilkie Collins
Wikipedia – Little Novels

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