Wilkie Collins wrote a succession of extraordinarily powerful novels of private life; of these "The Evil Genius" is among the finest.
The story is motivated by the attraction between Herbert Linley and the woman he hires as governess for his child Kitty-the long suffering Sydney Westerfield. As one expects with Collins, the story is driven forward with deft assurance. Yet he also treats the theme of adultery and divorce in a manner quite unconventional for his time-and, remarkably, he manages to draw readers into a sympathetic understanding of both of the main female characters: the offending governess and the aggrieved wife.
"The Evil Genius" was a very considerable success when first published; indeed, it brought Collins more financially than any of his other works. Over a century later its sinews retain the strength to speak powerfully to the reader; lively and intelligent, it is perhaps the finest of Collins' later novels.
