42 pages • 1 hour read
The Woman in Black
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Book Brief
164
Novel • Fiction
•
Science Fiction•
Historical FictionEngland • Early 20th Century
•
Death•
The Past•
Religion & Spirituality•
Grief & Death1983
David R. Godine, Publisher
Adult
18+ years
1360L
Super Short Summary
In Susan Hill's gothic novella The Woman in Black, solicitor Arthur Kipps reflects on a haunting experience from his youth. Kipps travels to a remote English village to settle the estate of Mrs. Alice Drablow at Eel Marsh House, encountering a mysterious woman in black and uncovering tragic secrets that intertwine with ghostly apparitions, affecting both him and the local community. This novel contains themes of child loss.
Mysterious
Unnerving
Dark
Melancholic
Suspenseful
Reviews & Readership
73,932 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black masterfully revives the gothic horror genre with its atmospheric setting and evocative prose. Positive reviews commend the novel’s ability to generate suspense and genuine fright, while some critics feel the pacing is occasionally slow. Overall, it is praised for its skillful storytelling and eerie, memorable ambiance.
Who Should Read The Woman in Black?
Readers who enjoy The Woman in Black by Susan Hill are typically fans of classic Gothic literature and atmospheric ghost stories. They likely appreciate the suspense found in works like Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House and Henry James's The Turn of the Screw, valuing eerie settings, psychological horror, and rich, evocative prose.
73,932 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Mr. Daily
Mr. Daily
The first local of Crythin Gifford that Kipps meets, known for his sensibility and financial status. He offers practical help and guidance to Kipps during his time in the village.
Jennet Humfrye
Jennet Humfrye
Referred to as the woman in black, Jennet is a mysterious figure whose presence creates tension and fear throughout the narrative. Her appearances and actions contribute significantly to the eerie atmosphere of the story.
Mrs. Drablow
Mrs. Drablow
A deceased woman whose estate, Eel Marsh House, Kipps is sent to settle. Known only through stories and letters, her elusive character serves as a mystery and catalyst for the unfolding events in Crythin Gifford.
The theatrical adaptation of The Woman in Black is one of the longest-running plays in the history of London’s West End, having premiered in 1989 and continuing to captivate audiences with its eerie atmosphere.
Susan Hill wrote The Woman in Black in a style reminiscent of Gothic novels, drawing on elements of classic ghost stories to create a mood of suspense and dread.
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The novel has inspired various adaptations, including a popular 2012 film starring Daniel Radcliffe, which brought the chilling tale to a wider audience.
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164
Novel • Fiction
•
Science Fiction•
Historical FictionEngland • Early 20th Century
•
Death•
The Past•
Religion & Spirituality•
Grief & Death1983
David R. Godine, Publisher
Adult
18+ years
1360L
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