After Dark

Name: After Dark
Author: Wilkie Collins

A husband-and-wife frame made of diary excerpts and a traveling portrait-painter's brief prologues brings together six short tales told by people the painter meets. The narratives include eerie domestic incidents, stolen correspondence, secret marriages, hidden identities and a masked figure, unfolding as mysteries, moral dilemmas and domestic drama. Interlaced reflections on the artist's life, observation and the difficulty of capturing truth on canvas link the stories, while recurring motifs of deception, social pretence and revelation provide continuity. The collection balances suspenseful storytelling with quiet sketches of character and social manners.

By Wilkie Collins

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British Literature Short Stories

About This Book

About the Author

Wilkie Collins

Wilkie Collins (1824-1889) was an English novelist and playwright, renowned for his pioneering contributions to the mystery and detective genres. His works often blend elements of suspense, social commentary, and complex characterizations. Collins is best known for his novel "The Woman in White," which is celebrated for its innovative narrative structure and psychological depth. Other notable works include "Armadale," "Basil," and "The Moonstone," the latter often regarded as one of the first detective novels in English literature. His writing reflects the Victorian era's concerns and intricacies, making him a significant figure in the literary heritage of the time.