Armadale - Hardcover

Collins, Wilkie

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0701113758 ISBN 13: 9780701113759

Publisher: Zodiac Press, 1975

Synopsis

The novel has a convoluted plot about two distant cousins both named Allan Armadale. The father of one had murdered the father of the other (the two fathers are also named Allan Armadale). The story starts with a deathbed confession by the murderer in the form of a letter to be given to his baby son when he grows up. Many years are skipped over. The son, mistreated at home, runs away from his mother and stepfather, and takes up a wandering life under the assumed name of Ozias Midwinter. He becomes a companion to the other Allan Armadale, who throughout the novel never discovers the relationship. But Ozias is constantly haunted by feeling that he might harm Allan, first after he reads the letter left for him, and then again after they spend the night on a shipwreck off the Isle of Man--the ship turning out to be the same on which the old murder took place (the murderer locked his victim in a cabin as the boat filled with water). On the boat, Allan has a mysterious dream involving three characters. This dream fills Ozias with foreboding, its three scenes becoming fulfilled in the course of the novel.

About this title

About the Author:

British author whose writings paved the way for suspense and detective fiction. Collins' pen also produced insightful observations on various social issues of his times including the condition of women.

Review:

`A gloriously dark tale of mixed identities and the irresistible, wicked Lydia Gwilt. Forget Dallas and Eastenders, this has to be the greatest of all soap operas.' Steven Isserlis, The Week

About this edition

• Publisher: Zodiac Press
• Publication date: 1975
• ISBN 10: 0701113758
• ISBN 13: 9780701113759
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 558