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Wives and Daughters Kindle Edition

by Elizabeth Gaskell (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 3,171 ratings
Wives and Daughters is a novel by Elizabeth Gaskell, first published in the Cornhill Magazine as a serial from August 1864 to January 1866. When Mrs Gaskell died suddenly in 1865, it was not quite complete, and the last section was written by Frederick Greenwood.
The story revolves around Molly Gibson, only daughter of a widowed doctor living in a provincial English town in the 1830s.
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  1. ISBN-13
    978-2291035893
  2. Publisher
    JA
  3. Accessibility
    Learn more
  4. Publication date
    7 Jun. 2018
  5. Language
    English
  6. File size
    1.9 MB
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07DM8TLBN
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ JA
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 7 Jun. 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 1.9 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 414 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-2291035893
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 3,171 ratings

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  1. Pam Morris

    Pam Morris

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  2. Angus Easson

    Angus Easson

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Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
3,171 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a wonderful classic with beautifully drawn characters and a well-thought-out story. The writing style is easy to read, and customers appreciate its humor and charm. They value the historical context, with one customer noting it's a terrific read about English social history, while another highlights the author's humanity and tolerance.

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ReadabilityCharacter developmentStory qualityWriting styleHumourHistorical contextSensitivityCharm
52 customers mention ‘Readability’52 positive0 negative

Customers find the book to be a wonderful classic, with one customer noting that every page is worth it.

"...It's a bit on the longer side, but every page is worth it. The pacing is just right, and there's never a dull moment...." Read more

"It is a page turner even though the ending is pretty obvious from the start...." Read more

"...having read the unabridged novel I can certainly say it is worth the time spent on it - but if, like me, you have read this novel before and just..." Read more

"I was enjoying this book really much, without any idea that it was not finished by the author. I think I would not have started it if I had known...." Read more

31 customers mention ‘Character development’31 positive0 negative

Customers praise the character development in the book, noting that the characters and situations are amazing and beautifully drawn, with one customer mentioning they recognize their traits in contemporary people.

"...If you're into historical fiction, complex characters, and a captivating storyline, then Wives and Daughters is a must-read...." Read more

"...There are timeless observations and no character she presents, even if their behaviour is unfortunate, can be disliked." Read more

"...The characters were well crafted, and I could recognise their traits in contemporary people...." Read more

"...picture given of life in the 1840s or so, and utterly involving in the fates of her characters, as they are well depicted...." Read more

28 customers mention ‘Story quality’23 positive5 negative

Customers find the book's story enthralling and well-thought-out, with one customer noting its subtle writing style and another praising the author's portrayal of drama.

"...The descriptions are vivid, and the dialogue is engaging. I found myself laughing out loud at some parts and welling up at others...." Read more

"...if you want the whole experience of the novel and all of the additional little subplots, then you really need to listen to or read the full-length..." Read more

"An enthralling story, which gives an insight into the lives of both the rich and poor in that era...." Read more

"...to read this was not going to be difficult because I was instantly enamoured with the story...." Read more

27 customers mention ‘Writing style’20 positive7 negative

Customers praise the writing style of the book, finding it brilliant and easy to read, with one customer noting its beautiful English and another comparing it to Austen's wit.

"...The writing style is absolutely beautiful. Elizabeth Gaskell has a way with words that just draws me in...." Read more

"...I liked the piece of prose, at the end, that summed up what the story would likely have concluded with." Read more

"This book was a slow start for me but once a few chapters in I had difficulty putting it down...." Read more

"...and utterly involving in the fates of her characters, as they are well depicted...." Read more

13 customers mention ‘Humour’13 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor, with one customer noting its prevailing comedic tone and another mentioning it's never a dull moment.

"...The pacing is just right, and there's never a dull moment...." Read more

"...Despite its underlying seriousness, the prevailing tone is one of comedy...." Read more

"...There are a broad variety of characters, each drawn with care, humour and attention to detail...." Read more

"...The novel deals with a world similar to Austens with the same wit and sharp observation, and the authors humanity and tolerance shine through, more..." Read more

7 customers mention ‘Historical context’7 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the historical context of the book, with one customer noting it provides a terrific read about English social history, while another finds it interesting for amateur genealogists.

"...I really got a sense of the time period and the social dynamics of the era...." Read more

"...There are timeless observations and no character she presents, even if their behaviour is unfortunate, can be disliked." Read more

"...There is a lot to be enjoyed in what is now a historical setting and the interesting set of characters used to play out a story which is by turns..." Read more

"Lovely character studies & can relate to the present day whims & & flirting of teenage girls...." Read more

5 customers mention ‘Sensitivity’5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's sensitivity, with one customer noting how the author's humanity and tolerance shine through, while another mentions how it brings characters vividly to life.

"...rather than long moralising paragraphs; and she also describes previous experiences of theirs so that the reader understands from what perspective..." Read more

"...with the same wit and sharp observation, and the authors humanity and tolerance shine through, more so and with more humour than, for example, in..." Read more

"I loved Molly and her sweetness, always looking out for others. The relationship with her father is just wonderful!..." Read more

"...Lovely observations of people. It is a Victorian novel and it is a bit slow at times, but persist with it. It's a good read." Read more

4 customers mention ‘Charm’4 positive0 negative

Customers find the charm of the book lovely, with one customer specifically appreciating Mrs. Gaskell's writing style.

"...The lovely Cynthia, however, is hiding a secret, and soon the loyal and loving Molly becomes caught up in Cynthia's web of duplicity and..." Read more

"A lovely, well written story that unfortunately only fails with the untimely demise of the author, thus denying the reader of a satisfactory finale..." Read more

"...You can read 100 pages per day easily. There is substance and great charm in it." Read more

"...I do like Mrs Gaskell's style and the way she gets into the heads of her characters, and the understated humour...." Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Painfree
    5.0 out of 5 stars A captivating storyline
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 September 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Wives and Daughters had me hooked from the very start.
    it revolves around the lives of these fascinating characters, their relationships, and the drama that unfolds. I really got a sense of the time period and the social dynamics of the era.

    What I loved most about Wives and Daughters is how well-developed the characters are. They feel so real, like actual people I could meet in myown life.
    I found myself rooting for some characters, despising others, and feeling all sorts of emotions along the way.

    The writing style is absolutely beautiful. Elizabeth Gaskell has a way with words that just draws me in. The descriptions are vivid, and the dialogue is engaging. I found myself laughing out loud at some parts and welling up at others.

    It's a bit on the longer side, but every page is worth it. The pacing is just right, and there's never a dull moment.

    If you're into historical fiction, complex characters, and a captivating storyline, then Wives and Daughters is a must-read. It's a true gem that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • zelda
    4.0 out of 5 stars Wives & Daughters - thoughts
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 12 April 2025
    Verified Purchase
    It is a page turner even though the ending is pretty obvious from the start. There are timeless observations and no character she presents, even if their behaviour is unfortunate, can be disliked.
    One person found this helpful
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  • SusannahB
    5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining and Enjoyable
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 November 2016
    Verified Purchase
    Elizabeth Gaskell's final (and not quite finished) novel 'Wives and Daughters' is set during the mid-nineteenth century in the village of Hollingford in the Midlands, and focuses on the motherless Molly, who enjoys a close relationship with her gruff, but loving father, Doctor Gibson. When Molly is away staying with a friend of her father's, Squire Hamley and his delicate invalid wife - both of whom become very fond of the very biddable and pretty Molly - Doctor Gibson makes the decision to remarry, thinking his daughter needs the influence of woman in her life. Enter ex-governess and widow Mrs Kirkpatrick, an attractive, but rather snobbish and self-centred woman, whose presence Molly initially finds difficult to accept. However, despite her stepmother's faults and her insensitivity to the finer feelings of those around her, the new Mrs Gibson is not unkind to Molly, and when Mrs Gibson's daughter, Cynthia, arrives home from school, Molly and her stepsister, who are of a similar age, become very close to one another - a relationship which more than makes up for the lack of true empathy between Molly and her stepmother. The lovely Cynthia, however, is hiding a secret, and soon the loyal and loving Molly becomes caught up in Cynthia's web of duplicity and dissimulation - a situation that potentially could result in Molly losing her reputation, but to say more might spoil the novel for those who have yet to read it, so I will leave the remainder of the story - and there is a lot more than I have revealed in this review - for prospective readers to discover for themselves.

    First published in the 1860s and, as previously commented, not quite (but almost) finished, this is a very engaging story which follows the journey of two young girls towards womanhood under the watchful eye of the inhabitants of Hollingford and, as it does so, looks at the role of women in Victorian England - and more besides. I first read this novel many years ago and have been meaning to reread it for some time - however with so many unread books on my bookshelves, I find it difficult to justify the time spent on revisiting books. The solution presented itself in the form of listening to the Audible audio download version, and for this rereading I decided to opt for the abridged version, very ably narrated by Patience Tomlinson (whose wide variety of voices used for the various characters was really rather impressive). I have to confess that I used to be a little disparaging about abridged versions of novels, feeling that if a book is worth reading then it's worth reading in its entirety - however, I've now revised my opinion of audio abridgements (providing they are not too heavily abridged) as I do feel there is a place for them, especially for revisiting books. It is true that if you want the whole experience of the novel and all of the additional little subplots, then you really need to listen to or read the full-length version - and, having read the unabridged novel I can certainly say it is worth the time spent on it - but if, like me, you have read this novel before and just want to revisit it, or if you really haven't the time at the moment to embark on a novel with seven hundred or so pages, then this abridged audio version, which gives a real flavour of this very enjoyable story, is a good one to opt for.

    5 Stars.
    6 people found this helpful
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  • snowdrop1941
    5.0 out of 5 stars A good read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 November 2023
    Verified Purchase
    An enthralling story, which gives an insight into the lives of both the rich and poor in that era. The characters were well crafted, and I could recognise their traits in contemporary people. I was a little disappointed that the author had died and left her story incomplete. I liked the piece of prose, at the end, that summed up what the story would likely have concluded with.
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  • C C B
    3.0 out of 5 stars It is unfinished!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 May 2013
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    I was enjoying this book really much, without any idea that it was not finished by the author. I think I would not have started it if I had known. The final remarks outlining a possible conclusion was not very satisfying.
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  • starling
    4.0 out of 5 stars couldn't stop reading it - till I had finished
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 February 2013
    Verified Purchase
    This was so much better than anticipated, both for the clear picture given of life in the 1840s or so, and utterly involving in the fates of her characters, as they are well depicted. I got so anxious about their welfare, I had to peek at the last page.
    Another thing I loved was the author's psychological sensitivity and freedom from judgments - her characters are far from 'perfect' but she indicates this with such a brief event or conversation rather than long moralising paragraphs; and she also describes previous experiences of theirs so that the reader understands from what perspective they now see the world and make decisions.

    Have I missed the film or tv series made from it? I'd have thought it would be a terrific success if they could keep their hands off too much focus on costume, stop lingering on the pretty female faces forever, and the usual faults I find with tv!

    Interesting that the great dilemma faced by one of the major characters was blamed by society on the young woman herself, and not on the older man involved, other than that people just didn't like him for other aspects of his behaviour - today we would call what he had done much earlier, "grooming".

    A plea to the makers of Kindle: every time there was a Mr. or Mrs., a new paragraph ocurred, presumably because of the . There were other errors too which should not have happened - an e was occasionally replaced by a c, so that someone sat on a 'scat'. Who is asked to do this? Can't be English-speaking - but what a task for any poor creature who isn't.

    And once again, no list of chapters with descriptions of what occurs, at the beginning, so that once finished, the reader could return to any text more easily. Please do this!!!
    3 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Madeleine Campisi
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book
    Reviewed in Australia on 14 June 2014
    Verified Purchase
    I'm still in the process of reading this but I'm loving it so much. It is a beautiful book and I'm totally addicted to it. The movie is exceptionally beautiful as well.
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  • susana pliego
    4.0 out of 5 stars Fenomenal work!
    Reviewed in Mexico on 17 December 2016
    Verified Purchase
    This novel of Ms. Gaskell is fantastic! and to read it today is an invaluable source of information. I'm always amazed at the level of knowledge Ms. Gaskell possessed, her allusions trough out the work to pieces of classical literature are really impressive. I've loved almost all of her work and this one has been no exception.
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  • Albina Baumung
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great purchase
    Reviewed in Canada on 29 September 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Came in quickly and in great condition!
    This story is just so wonderful and a must have classic on anybody’s bookshelf!
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  • quinqua
    5.0 out of 5 stars un véritable plaisir
    Reviewed in France on 31 May 2015
    Verified Purchase
    J'ai lu ce gros roman avec avidité. Il n'y a pas d'action à toutes les pages mais c'est une merveille d'humour caustique et de lucidité , non dénuée de subtilité ,sur la nature humaine .
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  • history lover
    5.0 out of 5 stars le parole hanno un peso
    Reviewed in Italy on 24 June 2015
    Verified Purchase
    quello che stupisce in questo romanzo è la sua modernità, sia a livello di indagine psicologica che a livello linguistico. Le figure femminili sono descritte con una profondità ed un'attenzione ai dettagli mai superflua, non c'è una parola in più nè in meno, nulla che si possa togliere o aggiungere, il tutto condito da quel sottile humour inglese che è sempre un valore aggiunto. Consigliato a tutti quelli che amano il nuovo nel vecchio
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