Wives and Daughters
Penguin Classics
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Wives and Daughters
Buy Now for $43.99
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Narrated by:
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Laura Aikman
About this listen
Brought to you by Penguin.
This Penguin Classic is performed by Laura Aikman. This definitive recording includes an introduction by Pam Norris.
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 stepsister, Cynthia, enters Molly's quiet life. Loveable but worldly and troubling, Cynthia's arrival alters Molly's daily life. 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
I found this tale very absorbing. The characters were fascinating. Just as I was gearing up to really dislike someone, information would come to light, I’d learn about their past, or they’d do something to redeem themselves. There wasn’t one wholly despicable character among them. They were imminently relatable &, therefore, forgivable/tolerable. I’ve never read a book quite like it. You can see how each character has come to behave as they do, & you have compassion for them. It’s rare for an author to be so gracious with her antagonists.
Unfortunately, the lovely Elizabeth Gaskell died before finishing the book, but it was quite near the end, so it didn’t matter as much as you might think. She also left some notes, so it’s actually kind of fun to let your imagination (& individual preference) complete the story.
Laura Aikman did a good job of narrating.
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