A review by jessicamusch
Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell

emotional hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A county doctor remarries so his 17 year old daughter Molly has a mother to care for her. What ensues is a tale of scandal, family and romance in a gossipy English village in the early 18th century. 

Elizabeth Gaskell is a true master storyteller. Her work has themes of class struggles in 19th century England, and subtly criticises this world order in a way which is well before her time. 

I was devastated that this was an unfinished work, however it is likely that Gaskell only intended to write one additional chapter to wrap up the story. Gaskell passed away before the novel was completed.