Man and Wife (novel)

Man and Wife is a novel written by Wilkie Collins, first published in 1870. It is a sensation novel that explores the complexities and ambiguities of Scottish marriage law, particularly concerning irregular marriages and the ease with which individuals could be considered legally married without traditional ceremonies or paperwork.

The plot revolves around Anne Silvester, a young woman whose uncertain marital status becomes a central conflict. She is entangled in a complex web of relationships, including a potential marriage to a man named Arnold Brinkworth, and a mysterious past involving a soldier named Geoffrey Delamayn. The novel delves into the social and legal implications of her circumstances, raising questions about legitimacy, inheritance, and social standing.

Collins uses the narrative to critique the inconsistencies and potential abuses of Scottish marriage law, arguing that it can be exploited to trap individuals in unwanted unions or to unfairly deprive them of their rights. The novel also incorporates themes of madness, deception, and the power of social conventions. It features a complex plot with numerous twists and turns, characteristic of Collins's style of suspenseful storytelling.