Good and Evil and Funny

“Here,” writes Collins in his introduction, “is one more book that depicts the struggle of a human creature, under those opposing influences of Good and Evil.” More particularly, it depicts two different reactions to personal disaster: passive acceptance and active resistance. But don’t let that “one more book” fool you; this is an exceptional work, delving into the big questions while, at the same time, being as downright funny as any book I’ve ever read.

The literary slot it fits most neatly is the Victorian “novel of sensation”, an enticing mélange of mystery and scandal. Dickens-like, it’s also something of a piece of “cause” literature. Without spoiling the primary turning point in the story, I’ll only say that, unlike his mentor Dickens, Collins lets the situation speak for itself. Not until the third of the “Scenes” into which the novel is divided does he indulge in a burst of Dickensian social criticism, and then he takes aim at urban poverty in general, not the specific issue that sets the novel in motion. This merciful avoidance of the soapbox makes one wish Collins had never touched laudanum, the drug that inexorably diminished his talents and left us with but four fine novels to enjoy.

The cast recording concept works less well here, where narratives are far more intertwined than in The Moonstone or The Lady in White. But where Collins gives a single character enough material to support an extended monologue, it works very well—and nowhere better than in the case of Captain Wragge.

This former militia officer and current “moral agriculturist” (i.e.: con man) is a brilliant compound of comic relief and breathtaking audacity, shaky morals and strict bookkeeping. With the exception of Wodehouse’s S. F. Ukridge, I’ve never met a deeper fictional rogue who made me laugh harder, in the process extorting my admiration—if not precisely for him, then certainly for his creator. Again, the comparison between Dickens’ inconceivably good heroes and irretrievably bad villains, and Collins’ more complex characters, is the difference between cardboard and flesh and blood. Take our heroine Magdalen. In truly un-Dickensian fashion, she’s a mixture of the admirable and the shocking: undaunted determination, low cunning, family loyalty and ungovernable emotion.

Another remarkable aspect of the book is how Collins can create engaging secondary characters who pass in and out of his story and, before you have a chance to miss them, they're replaced by others, just as interesting. Like his mentor, his invention seems inexhaustible. And the same holds true of Collins’ plot; the path to the inevitable happy ending is just as inventive—and just as elusive of the listener’s expectations.

22 people found this helpful

Magnificently captivating!

I rarely take the time to write a review, but this book is more than worth the time! The characters were realistically flawed and compelling, even those with more minor roles in the twisting plot. The narration was perfection to the point I felt I was actually watching a beautifully staged play or movie! cannot wait to listen to another Wilkie Collins masterpiece.

3 people found this helpful

Captivating and Clever--I did not want it to end!

I didn't know what to expect with NO NAME. I'd read Wilkie Collins's two most well-known masterpieces, THE WOMAN IN WHITE and THE MOONSTONE and really enjoyed them both, but I'll admit I wondered if any of Collins's other novels were worth reading (after all, no one seems to talk about the others when Collins's name is mentioned). But, I think I enjoyed NO NAME more than either of his two most well-known books!

The first hour or so, where characters and threads are set up, was a bit slow, and I was considering whether it would be worth 27+ hours of my time, but after the characters are introduced, I soon started to wonder what the "big secret" was and how it would affect the rest of the story. The first big section leads up the reveal of the secret, and I did not come anywhere near to guessing it (I definitely recommend not reading too many reviews with spoilers if you can).

Nicholas Boulton's narration works so well here--his voices for Captain Wragg and Mrs. Wragg were some of my favorites. I had more than a few laughs from the oddness of Captain Wragg who almost single-handedly kept the long middle section of the story from dragging (Collins uses a number of clever devices throughout to sustain the long story, but Captain Wragg's intrigues were some of the most entertaining). There's a lot going on in this book and threads come, disappear for a while, and then return to rear their heads in spectacular fashion.

Collins clearly thought that his readers would find his heroine morally repugnant for a lot of her actions throughout the book, so there is a lot of moral justification for things she does, which would not be so necessary in a novel today. By most modern standards, many of the things she does just aren't very shocking, but it's clear from other characters' reactions that we're in a Victorian world, and you have to listen to the book with that frame of reference. Yet, this book was so enjoyable. I fell in love with most of the characters, and it felt very much like listening to a stage play--just what I want in such a long novel. I couldn't stop listening so I could hear what would happen next, and yet I was so sad when it ended because I wouldn't be able to spend more time with these characters I'd grown so attached to. If you like Victorian novels, complicated heroines, or Wilkie Collins's other novels, definitely give this a try!

Narration Note: The first time one of the other narrators picks up the story by reading one of the many letters, it's a bit jarring. However, the other narrators only read the characters' letters, so if you're having trouble reconciling the voices they use with the voices you've been hearing Boulton use for hours, keep in mind that most of the letters don't last very long.

1 person found this helpful

Nope

I could not finish after reading half of it. An agonizing listen. Read something else.

1 person found this helpful

Fascinating! Captivating!… too much suspense…

In this story we delve into the heroic attempt of a talented beautiful young woman to save her family. The tale begins with uproarious fun, the scene of family idyll, And this beginning falls apart with exquisitely written storytelling. Our heroine Magdalen Makes choices that bring her face to face with one of the most fascinating villains in literature, Madame Lecount, who fights toe to toe with one of the most endearing scoundrels in literature and his hilariously endearing and helpless wife. Throughout the story, one terrifying situation leads to another and after a while, the reader may wonder if they have strength to continue. The very satisfying and lovely ending comes up too short when weighed against all of the suspense; but W Collins’ mastery And his clear connection with Dickens shine through. The performances in this piece are stunning. There will be laughter, there will be tears, and there will be trembling…

Even at 20+ hours it’s still not enough! ❤️

I was so enthralled that I listened to this at every opportunity, needing to know how it turned out. Now that it’s done I almost want to start over! You can feel the desperation, the greed, and the love. The narrators are exceptionally good. Absolutely wonderful escape. Clever twists and turns that never feel forced, just exciting and rewarding. I’m making my way through all of Wilkie Collins’ works and I’m glad he was such a prolific writer!!

Great tale if revenge and redemption

One of the best Wilkie Collins novels finally gets a recording and it is everything you could wish for. Beautifully narrated by a brilliant cast, this novel shines.

Great novel, Fantastic Performance

Narrator was the best!!!! Story was very very good. With the exception of a couple of moments where you’re aware it’s a man writing about females (a few general comments about the limitations of the female mind). But an otherwise fantastic journey with unexpected twists and turns.

Dark and tedious but irresistible

Even though, toward the end, I kept fast-forwarding through some of the "letters in the post" and even through scenes involving certain utterly obnoxious characters, there was no question of not finishing the journey. Why? I don't rightly know, but I think it was the main NARRATOR who saved it for me. And there were moments of insight, and moments of depth, and honestly, a truly well-written novel with a Godly foundation is a rare treasure these days, so whatever the flaws in the gem, it cannot be tossed aside. Insight into human nature blended with a real desire for justice being done and one lively character and changes of scene taking me all through England, and before I knew it, over 27 hours had come and gone. And the End left me feeling fulfilled enough to not resent so much suffering and waiting for it!

Fabulous

This book is seemingly endless, intricate and well read. Some amusing characters and all characters well drawn. A delight!