Wives and Daughters

Name: Wives and Daughters
Author: Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell

By Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell

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British Literature Novels

About This Book

The novel follows a young woman coming of age in a provincial town as she negotiates shifting household arrangements, friendships, and suitors. A sequence of domestic episodes and social gatherings exposes contrasts of class, pride, and genuine kindness while gossip, secrets, and a damaging scandal test loyalties and moral judgment. Through steady observation and small crises the heroine’s character becomes more widely recognized, altering local relationships and leading to reconciliations and romantic revelations; the narrative concludes with some outcomes implied rather than fully narrated due to an incomplete final chapter.

About the Author

Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell

Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell (1810-1865) was a prominent English novelist and short story writer known for her keen social commentary and vivid characterizations. Her works often explore the complexities of Victorian society, particularly the struggles of the working class. Gaskell's notable novels include "Mary Barton," which addresses the plight of the industrial poor, and "North and South," a tale of class conflict set against the backdrop of the industrial revolution. Additionally, her beloved work "Cranford" offers a charming portrayal of life in a small English town. Gaskell's literary contributions have left a lasting impact on English literature, making her a significant figure in the Victorian literary landscape.