Poor Miss Finch

Novelist's Biography:

Wilkie Collins was a British author born on January 8, 1824, in London. He was the son of the famous artist William Collins and grew up in a creative and artistic environment. Collins was educated at private schools and briefly attended the Royal Academy of Arts, but soon turned to writing.

Collins became a popular writer in the mid-19th century, known for his detective novels and sensation fiction. He was a close friend of Charles Dickens and the two collaborated on several works. Collins' most famous novels include "The Woman in White" and "The Moonstone," both of which are considered classics of detective fiction.

Collins was also known for his unconventional personal life, which included long-term relationships with two women, both of whom he supported financially. He was also addicted to opium, which he took to alleviate the pain caused by gout.

Collins died on September 23, 1889, in London, at the age of 65. He is remembered as a pioneering figure in the development of detective fiction and a master of the sensation novel.

Synopsis:

"Poor Miss Finch" is a novel by Wilkie Collins published in 1872. The story revolves around a young woman named Lucilla Finch who is blind since childhood. She lives with her wealthy uncle and cousin, who have differing opinions on how to treat her. Her cousin Oscar, who is infatuated with her, believes that she should be treated as normally as possible, while her uncle prefers to keep her in seclusion.

Lucilla's life takes a turn when she meets a young doctor named Arthur Carr. He develops an experimental surgery that could potentially restore her sight, but there are risks involved. Despite the risks, Lucilla agrees to undergo the surgery and it is successful.

As Lucilla adjusts to her new life with sight, she becomes entangled in a complicated love triangle with Arthur and Oscar. She ultimately chooses Arthur, but their happiness is short-lived when they are blackmailed by a criminal who knows about Lucilla's former blindness.

The novel features several themes, including the limits of medical science, the treatment of disabled individuals, and the complexities of romantic relationships. It is known for its intricate plot and unexpected twists, as well as its portrayal of a disabled protagonist in a Victorian society that often marginalized such individuals.