Wives and Daughters
Today we’ll be taking a look at Wives and Daughters, which was written by the same author as North and South. Let’s get started!
I found this book when I was wandering around Barnes and Noble, trying to find something to buy with a gift card. I spotted this one, recognized the author, and read the back. As usual when buying new books, I was a little nervous. I didn’t know if I’d actually be able to read the book. I’ve come to find that it doesn’t matter if a novel is considered a “classic”. They can still be trashy and not worth reading. I was pleasantly surprised with this one, however. 🙂
About Wives and Daughters:
Wives and Daughter is a classic novel made unusual by the fact that the author, Elizabeth Gaskell, died before writing the ending. A short note is given at the end of the novel, which is written by the editor of the magazine Wives and Daughters was being published in. The editor gives a summary of what would likely have happened had Elizabeth Gaskell finished the novel. It’s certainly not the same as if it had been finished by the author, but, that’s just the way it happened.
The main character of Wives and Daughters is a young woman named Molly Gibson. Her father is the only doctor in the small town of Hollingford. (As I read, I found myself reminded more of Jane Austen novels than the other Elizabeth Gaskell novels I’ve read.) Molly, as a result of a romance cut short, is thrust into the company of one of the area’s most prominent families. Squire Hamley and his invalid wife welcome the presence of Molly in their home. She becomes like their daughter, which they lost at a very young age. Molly also grows close to the Squire’s younger son, Roger. As the novel continues, several more characters are introduced, such as Molly’s stepmother and sister.
Molly’s step-sister Cynthia, is skillfully written by Elizabeth Gaskell. As are all the characters! The novel is enjoyable to read, not only because of the plot but because of the excellent writing. Romance, scandal, intrigue, all make an appearance in the novel, making for an interesting read. I hope you take a look at it!
Here’s a link to the novel.
Well, that’s all for now! Have you read any novels by Elizabeth Gaskell? ~ Emily