Saturday, February 26, 2011

The Woman In White

I love a good mystery and they are best in the cold weather. The preface of this edition told me that the "The Woman In White" was the first sensationalist mystery novel written. I had never read it before and I am so glad to have found it now. Marian Halcombe is fast becoming one of my favourite fictional characters. Quotes from her or concerning her actions have caused me on more than one occasion to laugh out loud on the train even during the deathly quiet morning commute. She is witty, Victorian perfection.

"Men! They are the enemies of our innocence and our peace -- they drag us away from our parents' love and our sisters' friendship -- they take us body and soul to themselves, and fasten our helpless lives to theirs as they chain up a dog to his kennel. And what does the best of them give us in return?"

"When a sensible woman has a serious question put to her, and evades it by a flippant answer, it is a sure sign, in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred, that she has something to conceal."



The Woman In White;

Cardigan: Anthropologie Fresh Perspective cardi
Accessories: Silver birdcage necklace (gift)
Urban Outfitters leaf hairband
Dress: Free People Medallion Lace Dress
Tights: We Love Colors solid mocha tights
Dress: Anthropologie Winding Ruffle boots
Bag: Karmaloop pink lace shoulder bag

"Women can resist a man's love, a man's fame, a man's personal appearance, and a man's money; but they cannot resist a man's tongue, when he knows how to talk with them."

Oh, I could quote her all day...

3 comments:

  1. You look ethereal, romantic and gorgeous today Alissa :) I pretty much want everything you're wearing! And you just convinced me to download The Woman In White to my Kindle :)

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  2. A winter wonderland you are, I adore the outfit and the bit of crinoline peeking out~

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  3. Anjali - Thank you! If you're interested in the dress, I found it at Macy's last month and it's still around in their website and Nordstrom's but in different colourways. I hope you enjoy the book too!

    Dea - Thank you! I love that aspect of the design too. :)

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