Wives and Daughters

Written by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell

Narrated by Patience Tomlinson

When her father remarries, the honest, innocent Molly Gibson suddenly finds herself with a new stepsister, Cynthia, who is beautiful, worldly and impetuous. This would be more than enough to deal with, but the new wife is the deeply snobbish (and darkly secretive) Hyacinth. Thwarted love, scheming ambition and small-town gossip underlie the warmth, irony and brilliant social observation which link the relationships and the inevitable conflicts as profound change comes to rural England. The most mature and rewarding of her novels, Wives and Daughters places Elizabeth Gaskell in the first rank of English authors.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Naxos Audiobooks
• Release date: Sep 29, 2010
• ISBN: 9789629549435

Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell

Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell (1810-1865) was an English author who wrote biographies, short stories, and novels. Because her work often depicted the lives of Victorian society, including the individual effects of the Industrial Revolution, Gaskell has impacted the fields of both literature and history. While Gaskell is now a revered author, she was criticized and overlooked during her lifetime, dismissed by other authors and critics because of her gender. However, after her death, Gaskell earned a respected legacy and is credited to have paved the way for feminist movements.

Reviews for Wives and Daughters

[lit_chick_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

2006, BBC Audiobooks, Read by Prunella Scales“The autumn drifted away through all its seasons. The golden corn-harvest, the walks through the stubble-fields, and rambles into hazel-copses in search of nuts; the stripping of the apple-orchards of their ruddy fruit, amid the joyous cries and shouts of watching children; and the gorgeous tulip-like colouring of the later time had now come on with the shortening days. There was comparative silence in the land, excepting for the distant shots, and the whirr of the partridges as they rose up from the field.” (Ch 42)When young Molly Gibson, being raised by her widowed father, attracts the attention of one of the doctor’s students, she is sent to stay with local gentry family, the Hamleys. She forms a close attachment with Mrs Hamley and befriends the younger son, Roger. The elder Hamley son, Osborne, is naturally expected to make a brilliant marriage following his career at Cambridge. But he performs poorly at university, and social expectations are thwarted. In the meantime, Roger has achieved the academic recognition that was to be his brother’s, and has become a renowned scientist. Mr Gibson remarries the widow (and social climber) Mrs Kirkpatrick; and she and her daughter, Cynthia, the same age as Molly, become a family. While Molly is delighted to have a sister, the two could not be more different: Molly naïve and slightly awkward; and Cynthia “pretty, pawky, a flirt, and a jilt.” The newlywed Mrs Gibson sets her sights on a match between Cynthia and Osborne Hamley. But, much to Molly’s heartbreak, it is Roger who asks for Cynthia’s hand. Alas, her hand is not free to give … it has been formerly promised to the scoundrel land agent, Mr Preston; and what’s worse, Molly is about to be dragged into Cynthia’s drama and become herself the subject of malicious gossip.As one would expect of Gaskell, Wives and Daughters is beautifully written and full of rich characters, both adorable and deplorable. I loved the story line, too, but Gaskell died before the novel could be finished, and its denouement, which she had allegedly related to a friend, remains unwritten. Interestingly, the BBC adaptation uses an alternate ending which I found very satisfying. In any case, Prunella Scales has done a wonderful job of narration here, and the novel is highly recommended, particularly to those who love the Victorian classics.

[tess_schoolmarm · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell was not as satisfying or as interesting as the other two Gaskell's I've read, Cranford and North and South. I'm not sure what the plot was and I really didn't like many of the main characters. This was definitely a Victorian romance and I'm giving it 3 1/2 stars because this time period piece was generous with its Victorian manners, attitudes, and situations. Gaskell died before she finished the last chapter of this book; but I could write it! The reader will easily be able to predict/assume the ending of this novel. 766 pages 3 1/2 stars

[dawnlovesbooks · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

so wish the author would have lived to finish the book, however it seemed it was about to end anyway. i think this is one classic that has been overlooked. gaskell's writing fits right in there with Austen and the Bronte sisters. such a charming book!

[kimmr_2 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Why has it taken me so long to finally read this wonderful novel? I bought the Penguin edition when I was in my 20s, read a page or two, put it down and didn't pick it up again. The book sat on my shelf for years. For all I know, it could be there still. However, after university I went right off Victorian literature and it's only been in the last twelve months or so that I've felt the desire to tackle it again. And now I've fallen in love with Elizabeth Gaskell's writing.

In brief, the novel is set in the English Midlands in the 1830s and focuses on Molly Gibson, who lives in a small town with her widowed father, the local medical practitioner. Concerned to acquire an appropriate chaperone and guide for his teenage daughter, Mr Gibson re-marries the vain, self-absorbed and manipulative Hyacinth Kirkpatrick, who has a teenage daughter of her own, Cynthia. The story of Molly and Cynthia is a tale of love, friendship, secrets and scandal. Central to the narrative are the changes in English society, where class distinctions are slowly becoming blurred.

The best thing about this novel are its characters. There is kind, loving Molly, her sarcastic and undemonstrative but deeply caring father, her truly awful stepmother and the "fascinating, faulty" Cynthia, who is probably the most complex and interesting character in the novel. There is also the aristocratic Cumnor family, the conflicted family of Squire Hamley, and the chorus of ladies from the town. Gaskell breathed life into all of these characters. None are perfect - even the closest to perfect amongst them, Molly and Roger Hamley, demonstrate some flaws. None are mere caricatures, not even Hyacinth, in spite of her her quite breath-taking shallowness and the fact that she is the butt of much of Gaskell's highly-developed sense of irony.

This is a novel with plenty of wit and humour, as well as melodrama and pathos. First published in serial form between August 1864 and January 1866, Gaskell died before the novel was finished. The final section, said to have been written by journalist and editor Frederick Greenwood, explains how Gaskell meant to conclude the final chapter. While it is sad that Gaskell's death left the book unfinished, it's not difficult to see where the narrative was going even without the final section. The excellence of the novel is not diminished by it being unfinished.

I listened to an audiobook edition narrated by Josephine Bailey, who is truly superb. Every character is wonderfully realised, each with a distinct and appropriate voice.

All in all, listening to this novel has been a wonderful experience. I'm looking forward to going back to its world in the not too distant future. And of course, I now have the BBC television adaptation to look forward to.

[mark7mathabane-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

delightful writer with deep understanding of the nature of love

[runaway84_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I can't remember the last time I read a more perfect book. The book itself has but one flaw, though, it is INCOMPLETE. I knew this when I started, but I was still not prepared for it to end.Elizabeth Gaskell is a genius at making a town and its inhabitants come to life. From the vain, intolerable Mrs. Gibson to the flaky Cynthia to the mischievous and witty lady Harriet to the kindhearted Molly, the characterization is impeccable.I can't see how I went so long into my life without the wit of Elizabeth Gaskell. Thank goodness there is much more of her work to read.

[wrightja2000 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I love how the characters are so complete. They are imperfect in a natural and non annoying way.I found myself reading bits to my husband, surprised at how her portrayal of human nature is still relevant today.
It was a positive and uplifting book except getting all the way to the end and being so surprised at the abrupt ending. I was so startled I immediately googled the book to find out what happened. Turns out Mrs Gaskell died before finishing the book but left notes about the remainder of the story. My edition was completed by another author the publishing company hired. It was funny finding that out because I remember getting to a point near the end and thinking this sounds like a completely different writer.

[janesteen_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Where I got the book: free on the Kindle. Although I think I should pick up an annotated edition one of these days. It's not often I finish a book with a big smile on my face, despite the teasing ending (which had me seriously worried that my free Kindle version had something missing, but then I decided it was entirely consistent with the story). Update: Thanks to more informed friends, I now know that Mrs. Gaskell died before finishing the book, which is the biggest bummer I can possibly think of for a writer. This was my first Mrs. Gaskell and I'm now wondering, where has she been all my life? I think I learned more about the social mores of small-town England in the early 19th century (1830s according to Wikipedia) than I would have done from any number of history books. Mrs. Gaskell paints her details with a fine brush, wrapped up in an entertaining story with an undercurrent of wry humor. The narrative, for those who need reminding, tells the story of Molly Gibson, the daughter of the doctor in the aforesaid small town (or possibly large village). What's interesting to me is that the Gibsons, being of the professional class, occupy a kind of social gray area between the ordinary folk of the village and both the nobility, represented by the Earl of Cumnor's family, and the gentry, represented by the Hamleys. Not to forget a new class of Victorian gentleman ready to risk all in the name of exploration and Empire, given shape in Roger Hamley the squire's son. This means that Molly manages to achieve a degree of social mobility that would definitely have been quite startling at the time. To drive home the point, Mr. (never Dr.) Gibson goes and marries a shallow, self-centered social climber with the wonderful name of Hyacinth (Bucket, anyone?) who brings along her daughter Cynthia. We then have a family split neatly down the middle between the honest, traditional values of Olde England and the nouveau riche pretensions of an up-and-coming class who see the established gentry as a target for marriage (if only they have money to back up their good name). A nicely complicated plot ensues, with romance, secrets, scandals, and reconciliations. Really great stuff. I felt as if I should have been annoyed at Molly and Roger for being perfect to the point of saintly and the Embodiment of Honest English Virtues, but somehow I never was and found myself cheering them both on.

[emanate28 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Wonderful!! Clearly a mature work, with beautifully-created, multi-faceted characters. I'm especially impressed with the depiction of Cynthia, in that she doesn't come across as merely a caricature of a beautiful and careless? young woman. She may be weak in certain ways, but she isn't bad or evil; she has characteristics that are endearing too, and in the end, one can't help but like her...as do all those in the book. I'm so sad that Mrs Gaskell died before she could finish it, even if we know what was going to happen at the end!

[tess_w · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell was not as satisfying or as interesting as the other two Gaskell's I've read, Cranford and North and South. I'm not sure what the plot was and I really didn't like many of the main characters. This was definitely a Victorian romance and I'm giving it 3 1/2 stars because this time period piece was generous with its Victorian manners, attitudes, and situations. Gaskell died before she finished the last chapter of this book; but I could write it! The reader will easily be able to predict/assume the ending of this novel. 766 pages 3 1/2 stars

[shelovesmaisie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Comparisons between Elizabeth Gaskell and Jane Austen are warranted, for Ms. Gaskell's irony is similarly delicate and incisive. Mrs. Gibson's speeches are reminiscent of Austen's more foolish characters. Molly Gibson herself, however, has a straightforward sweetness that much more echoes a Jane than a Lizzy or Emma. Still, despite lacking the tartness or wit of an Austen heroine, Molly is saved from being too dully good by her clear-sighted perceptions of others. Now I'm just frustrated because I didn't realize this was an unfinished novel!

[moirastirling · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Lovely. Similar to an Austen novel.

[cecilturtle · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

It is interesting that in this day of instant gratification and quick fixes, a novel like this one could still be appealing. This is definitely a testimony to Gaskell's story-telling abilities: throughout the 600-some pages, the reader is drawn not only into the pace but also into the plot, carefully crafted to drop little hints without revealing too much. The characters themselves are well fleshed out without being too cliché and while the ending is predictable, it simply reassures the modern reader that tradition can still be fashionable.A lovely engaging read.

[amanaceerdh · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

so wish the author would have lived to finish the book, however it seemed it was about to end anyway. i think this is one classic that has been overlooked. gaskell's writing fits right in there with Austen and the Bronte sisters. such a charming book!

[wealhtheowwylfing · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Molly Gibson is a kind-hearted, intelligent, sensitive girl who is thrown into society when her father, the equally sensible but far more sarcastic Mr.Gibson, marries. His new wife is flighty, hypocritical, and manipulative, but all in such a soft, pliant way that it is difficult to oppose her. With her comes her daughter Cynthia Fitzpatrick, who is Molly's own age but beautiful where Molly is pretty, and socially brilliant where Molly is genuine. Cynthia and Molly immediately become best friends, but Cynthia is so constantly charming young men that (by trying to help her get out of scrapes) Molly's own reputation suffers.

Easily one of the most charming, romantic Victorian novels I've ever read. Victorian novels generally put so much emphasis on morals or virtues that I find alien and silly, or are so long-winded in their explanations, descriptions, and dialog, that I grow quite out of patience with them. Instead, Gaskell seems to have a good deal of sympathy for characters like Cynthia, who would have been treated very severely by authors like Trollop or Bradden, and quietly pokes fun at the sexist, classist, xenophobic notions of her main characters. She seems to like her characters, and want to explain them to her readers, instead of trying to use them as puppets to force her readers into higher morals. Gaskell is nearly as witty as Dickens, but turns her attention in much the same direction as Austen, with that same satirical edge to her domestic descriptions. Gaskell is particularly adept at portraying characters' personalities and interests through dialog alone. I quite loved this, and was horrified to learn, when I was 75% done and utterly wrapt up in the story, that it was never finished. It ends on a satisfying note, however, so though one does not get to actually read the resolution, one is not left without hope that it did take place. In a way, by ending this novel before the hero and heroine confess their love for each other, one is left to resolve it in the manner most satisfactory to oneself, and not bound to the author's choices.

[adonisguilfoyle · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Elizabeth Gaskell is a fine writer, who penned admirable heroines and sensitive heroes, but she definitely peaked with 'North and South' - 'Mary Barton', her first novel, is far too melodramatic, and I'm afraid I found 'Wives and Daughters', her final (and unfinished) work, too slow. I class this sort of Austenesque pastoral satire as 'Sunday evening fodder', the sort of gentle, harmless period drama that is a staple production of the BBC around autumn, when the nights are drawing in and the weather is terrible. Like 'Cranford' (which I won't be adding to my Gaskell library), these adaptations usually feature Dame Judi Dench in a bonnet and conclude with a wedding or two. I much prefer Gaskell's 'northern' novels, which are a more engaging and instructive blend of humour, romance and social commentary - the body count is usually considerably higher (imagine, only one death in 'Wives and Daughters'!), but on the plus side, there are fewer old women in bonnets.That said, I did persevere with this story, because the central characters are well drawn and Gaskell knows how to pace a domestic drama with teasers - what is Cynthia's secret? When will Obsbourne's father find out what his son has been up to? Molly Gibson, the pure and selfless heroine, is far too good for my liking, but I loved Cynthia's 'Estella Syndrome', as I termed her fickle behaviour (now there's a girl who knows how to keep her options open!) Cynthia Kirkpatrick is my favourite type of heroine, or perhaps anti-heroine - beautiful, charming, sharp as tack, and ruthless! She knows that men of every age and station find her irresistible, and employs her natural talents to bait them and then reel them in - but only if they can be of advantage to her. And she's so thoroughly attractive that everyone forgives her for using them! Wonderful. Molly truly fell flat compared to her wicked stepsister. And I felt sorry for the oily Mr Preston, but not Roger Hamley, who must have been either gullible or shallow.From the supporting cast of thousands, I adored Mr Gibson, who marries in haste and repents at leisure, and Squire Hamley, and found in Lady Harriet the strength lacked by Molly and the generosity missing in Cynthia. The rest of the caricatures - Cynthia's sycophantic and self-centred mother, and her aristocratic match Lady Cumnor, ailing Osbourne and blockhead Roger, and of course the usual gaggle of spinsters - were mildly entertaining but only pale imitations of Austen's stock-in-trade. Although some of the characters and devices reminded me of 'North and South' - a dark-haired heroine with 'soft grey eyes' who dotes on her father, invalid mothers, brothers with secret wives, many misunderstandings, and even a Dr Donaldson! - I missed the earnest grounding in social concerns of real importance that give meaning and impact to Gaskell's 'northern' novels. If I wanted to read about the romantic entanglements of swooning girls in white dresses, I would choose 'Sense and Sensibility'. And if Gaskell used the phrase 'tete-a-tete' once, she must have used it a thousand times - the constant repetition made me laugh at first, and then slowly started to annoy me.All in all, a pleasant, if rather lengthy, comedy of manners, for fans of Austen and Heyer.

[Amber Hess · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I wish Mrs Gaskell could have finished this beautiful book!!!

[mamalaoshi · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I love how the characters are so complete. They are imperfect in a natural and non annoying way.I found myself reading bits to my husband, surprised at how her portrayal of human nature is still relevant today.
It was a positive and uplifting book except getting all the way to the end and being so surprised at the abrupt ending. I was so startled I immediately googled the book to find out what happened. Turns out Mrs Gaskell died before finishing the book but left notes about the remainder of the story. My edition was completed by another author the publishing company hired. It was funny finding that out because I remember getting to a point near the end and thinking this sounds like a completely different writer.

[etxgardener · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Elizabeth Gaskell's final novel (she died just before she finished the book) is a gentle comedy of manners very much in the style of Jane Austen and was serialized in The Cornhill magazine from 1864 to 1865 Molly Gibson is the only child of widowed doctor living in a provincial English town in the 1830s. She is attractive, but also innocent and unworldly. When her father marries the widowed Mrs. Kirkpatrick to provide Molly a mother, she is unhappy at the event, but warms to the inevitability when she meets Mr.s Kirkpatrick's daughter, Cynthia, to whom she forms an instant friendship.The two girls couldn't be more different: Cynthia is far more worldly and rebellious than Molly, who is naive and slightly awkward. Cynthia has been educated in France, and it gradually becomes apparent that she and her mother have secrets in their past, involving the land agent from the great house, Mr. Preston, who is rumored to be a gambler and a scoundrel. Nevertheless, they are loyal to each other & often conspire to elude both Cynthia's mother and Molly's father.Molly has harbored a secret love for Roger Hamley, the younger son of the local squire. Unfortunately, Roger falls in love with Cynthia and when Mrs. Gibson overhears that Osborne may be fatally ill, she begins promoting the match. Just before Roger leaves on a two-year scientific expedition to Africa, he asks for Cynthia's hand and she accepts, although she insists that their engagement should remain secret until Roger returns. Molly is heartbroken, and struggles with her sorrow and her knowledge that Cynthia lacks affection for Roger.In true Victorian novel fashion, Molly must eventually win Roger, but first must go through a series of trials, missteps and misunderstandings made worse by the local small town gossips. You know how it is going to end, but Gaskell makes all the twists and turns enjoyable reading.

[hemingwayok · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a beautiful story! This is a tremendously long book, but the story sucks you in to the point that you can finish it in a day. It is light-hearted and real. The anticipation of love realized is the best part of the story. Reading it is like watching a romantic comedy. The hardest part was knowing the entire time that my beloved author dies before finishing the book. Her editor "finished" it - and he was a man.

[carolfoasia_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Simply delightful! Loved it, but I didn't know until the end that Gaskell died before she finished it! The audiobook fills in from the author's outline.

[todnarut · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

I thought the book would be right up my alley, but try as I might, I could not become engaged in it. Instead of Austen or one of the Brontes, I was more reminded of Miss Laetitia Prism from The Importance of Being Earnest, whose motto ("The good ended happily, and the bad unhappily. That is what fiction means.") summed up these 600+ pages for me.Scholars tell us that Gaskell's observations of the middle class of the period were spot on; they also praise her for taking on social issues such as the role of women. All true. I also agree that Gaskell developed the relationships between the characters in a nuanced and realistic way. Still, I couldn't help feeling a little as if I were reading a 19th century Judy Blume. Or maybe I am just allergic to mean step-mother stories.

[cmbohn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Themes: Love, family, classSetting: Victorian EnglandTwo years ago I was flipping channels when I found this costume drama on PBS and I couldn't turn away. Never mind that I came in near the end and had no idea who any of the characters were. Never mind that I didn't even know the title of the movie or what it was about. Something kept me riveted right to the end of the show. Once I had discovered the title, I knew I had to read this one. I finished it yesterday, and it was a perfect antidote to a very stressful week.Molly Gibson is an only child of a widowed surgeon, living in a quiet English village. Her life moves at a sedate pace until she goes on a visit to the Hamleys nearby. While she is staying there, her father decides to remarry, and Molly's life is turned upside down. She is pleased to be getting a new stepsister, but her stepmother is a different story. Cynthia, the new sister, and Molly, grow up, attend dances, fall in love, and share some secrets.This is not a quick read - it was over 600 pages, and it wasn't even finished! I'm glad I knew that before I got to the end, or I would have been pretty upset to have read that far and then had to imagine my happy ending. But I really enjoyed it. It just swept me up into the world of the story and I didn't want to leave.

[tess22_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

(Minor spoilers)I should not like Molly Gibson, I really shouldn't. Not from Gaskell's perspective obviously; presumably she wanted us to like her heroine. But from my perspective she is just too... moral. I like heroines who are witty, borderline bitchy (sometimes not so borderline), flawed, and never, ever sweet. Molly Gibson can't even tell a little white lie. She is an absolute sweetheart. And I think she's fantastic.So why do I like Molly Gibson? Firstly she is smart. It turns out you can be sweet without being stupid. Secondly, she is strong. It turns out you can be sweet without being insipid. Thirdly, she is open-minded. It turns out you can be a model of goodness yourself without being judgemental about others. (Fanny Price of Mansfield Park, please take notes on all of the above).Molly also bucks the trend by refusing to fall for a sexy cad or a romantic ideal (well, only briefly). Roger initially seems an unlikely love interest, but I grew to appreciate him at about the same speed as Molly and they do make a wonderful couple. (Edmund Bertram of Mansfield Park take notes on this - you can be honourable and sensible AND FUNNY AND INTERESTING). That Roger stupidly falls for the wrong girl is about his only wrong move, and Molly's attempts to be happy for him while realising her own feelings are heartbreaking.The main plot starts when Mr Gibson, whose first wife died when Molly was a small child, remarries. Molly's relationship with her father's new wife is perfectly drawn. Gaskell shows the frustration of an intelligent girl trying hard to keep her temper while showing respect and tact towards her shallow, irritating stepmother (a brilliant comic creation) without compromising her own views and values. The resulting father/daughter relationship seems very real and moving. It will be particularly relevant to anyone who is close to their own father.On the downside, the creation of stepsister Cynthia is less successful. I can't bring myself to like Cynthia (who is the witty, bitchy character - very confusing). Molly's immediate and lasting attachment to her is unconvincing. The sudden, unwise decisions Dr Gibson makes are also a weak point, albeit necessary for the plot. Speaking of plot, the terrible secret hinted at by Cynthia may have been shocking at the time, but frankly these days is a disappointment. Osbourne is annoying. And, despite everything I just said, Molly's perpetual good behaviour does sometimes irritate me.For a long time I didn't know that the book was unfinished. It ends on a perfect, open note. There are many reasons that I should not like this book, but somehow Gaskell overcomes them.Wow - that was a long review. I got quite involved.

[divinemissw · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great Story!

[Mitch Sayler · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

An all time favorite. I'm so grateful she got as far as she did before passing away. It's easy to see what would be next. Excellent reader, good use of different voices.

[Alice Grix · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have always admired Elizabeth Gaskell, this is her greatest work. What an epitaph.

[lesliejaneite · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This book was a nice pleasant journey to a place in time that is gone forever. Everyone has good manners even when they don't and the fashion and English country village scenery do soothe my soul. I was curious about the ending knowing that Mrs Gaskell died before finishing it but felt like the place she left off could very well be a proper ending. Everything is pretty much settled by then, and I was satisfied with how it all turned out. Most every character had their happy ending. At the end of my particular edition (for all I know they all include this) the editor of the magazine that Wives and Daughters was first published in serially, wrote a bit of fluff that did include some ideas that other people reported that she had planned to end it all with. It's the sort of thing you are dying to read but always ends up being rather disappointing. I should say that this could have been edited down to 400 pages and been just as good, but that's how serialization worked back then, practically by the square inch. I would love to see a movie of this book, it would be fabulous

[heidip_38 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Well, well, well. I've added Elizabeth Gaskell to the list as one of my favorite authors. This is the first book I've read by her, and I would highly recommend it. Her other books are going on my To Be Read List immediately.Wives and Daughters tells the quaint story of a widower who decides that since his daughter, Molly, is growing into a young lady, she needs a mother. He marries widow Hyacinth Clare who has a daughter of her own. That's where things get messy. This is the story of the two families melding together....sort of. There's very rich characterization in this novel. The new mother is distasteful, but not hated. The step-sisters get along great. All the characters have warts, some more than others. I won't tell more of the plot because you must read it.The author died before she finished the novel. But at 800 pages, she was nearly finished, and you really do know how the story ends. She characterizes small town England in the early 1800's, and in this sweeping saga, we have the pleasure of meeting lords and ladies, town gossips, the tenant farmers, the town doctor and his apprentices, and of course our dear Molly."It will be very dull when I shall have killed myself, as it were, and live only in trying to do, and to be as other people like. I don't see any end to it. I might as well never have lived.""I should hate to be managed," said Molly, indignantly. "I'll try and do what she wishes for papa's sake, if she'll only tell me outright; but I should dislike to be trapped into anything."

[alsocass · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

The movie is so much better.

The younger brother is such an undeserving hero (as written in the book). The older brother is written as such a selfish man. The ending in the book was horrible. All in all Elizabeth Gaskell has some great plots (I love the movie versions of both W&Ds and N&S) but is terrible at writing the actual story. Her characters are always so unlikeable and she has no skill at resolving a romance.