Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell Review

Title: Wives and Daughters

Author: Elizabeth Gaskell

Genre: Classics, Romance

Series: n/a

Goodreads Rating: 4.09/5

Goodreads Link

Synopsis: Set in English society before the 1832 Reform Bill, Wives and Daughters centres on the story of youthful Molly Gibson, brought up from childhood by her father. When he remarries, a new step-sister enters Molly’s quiet life – loveable, but worldly and troubling, Cynthia. The narrative traces the development of the two girls into womanhood within the gossiping and watchful society of Hollingford.

Wives and Daughters is far more than a nostalgic evocation of village life; it offers an ironic critique of mid-Victorian society. ‘No nineteenth-century novel contains a more devastating rejection than this of the Victorian male assumption of moral authority’, writes Pam Morris in her introduction to this new edition, in which she explores the novel’s main themes – the role of women, Darwinism and the concept of Englishness – and its literary and social context.

Review:  Gaskell wrote this to be a story of everyday life in response to the more dramatic stories that were popular at the time. It’s a very pleasant study of rural life and relationships in 1830’s England. Beautifully written though lengthy and quite humorous at times especially with Molly’s father. It’s a charming easy read (despite its length) and unfortunately is unfinished due to Gaskell’s death. My edition featured notes from the editor of the magazine it was originally published which details the author’s plans for the ending.

I very much enjoyed reading this. It’s perfect when you want to read something pleasant and easy going.

My Rating: ★★★★☆

Get the book: Amazon | Book Depository 

Synopsis and book cover from Goodreads. Photos from my Instagram @elainehowlin_