The Woman In Black
*****SPOILER ALERT*****'The Woman in Black' terrifies the townspeople of Crythin Gifford, so much so, that as soon as poor Arthur Kipps has revealed his purpose for being there, they clam up and only disperse with subtle hints and not so subtle avoidances to his questions. As he carries out his business at the remote 'Eel Marsh House' he's left in turn, utterly distressed & even more determined to confront 'The Woman in Black'.
This was an incredible read. The descriptive language in itself made it possible for me to smell the salty air of the estuary,the biting cold of the November wind and Arthur's discomfort as he grapples with the unexpected suprises of his assignment as a solicitor at Mr Bentley's law firm;to settle the estate of Mrs Alice Drablow of Crythin Gifford.
Arthur tries his best but ultimately has to leave 'Eel Marsh House' to preserve his own sanity, and perhaps his life; and even as he does so, he feels a slight resentmemt at the townspeople for being right in urging him to abandon his task on behalf on Mr Bentley. The story ends with Arthur relating the tragedy that keeps 'Eel Marsh House' and its ghosts everpresent in his thoughts; a tragedy so painful that it is no wonder the Arthur who relates the tale, 30 odd years later, is a dimmer & more forlorn version of his youthful self.
For, one year after Arthur had left Crythin Gifford, he found himself happily married & enjoying a delightful, warm, Sunday afternoon at the park with Stella and their baby boy, Joseph. That is, until he saw 'The Woman in Black' again.
