Wives and Daughters (Penguin Classics)

I've enjoyed reading all of Elizabeth Gaskell's books. She teaches some good lessons about how we should treat one another. The fact that we don't have the end of the story isn't such a bad thing. Life is kind of like that.

The book is excellent - but the Kindle version is not. It hasn't been properly edited. It hasn't even got the publisher details. And to call it illustrated is a farce. It is poorly decorated on the last few pages and that's it!.

The characters are cleverly depicted through their conversations which reveal both flaws and attributes, which are often amusing. The plot takes several unexpected turns providing constant interest. The distinction between the classes is problematic, seeming so out of step with today's culture, but shows the beginnings of change even at that time. A thoroughly enjoyable read!

Ordered book by mistake, wanted DVD; decided to keep & read & as always with Gaskell, I truly enjoyed it. Was glad I read book 1st as with Austen's work. Because of the era it pre-explained and filled in areas in the movie that had questions. I did enjoy book more than DVD; but the visual was just great. I enjoy British / English movies of this period and it holds your interest while stirring multiple emotions. It was Gaskell's last and unfinished which is obvious in the ending only in DVD & only if you have followed the books from beginning. The book is a must. You will enjoy

Great reading and Ms Gaskell's observations are current today.I was in England when I read it and enjoyed the landscape as she described it. I visited houses with gardens and found some as she depicted them.

I watched the television adaptation of "Wives and Daughters" and loved it so I decided to read the book on kindle (it was free, does not get better than that). I was glad I did since I got to understand the characters so much better. In my opinion,the only downside to the novel was the ending. I'm glad I saw the television adaptation first since it gave me a sense of closure even though the book leaves the reader to make your own conclusions as to what would have happened between Molly and Roger. All in all a great novel. Highly reccommended.

Who would have thought we would be page turning the trials and tribulations of a young girl growing and being tamed as an acceptable example of a young women when the class system in Britain was expected by all to hold the proper show on all levels. Reading the small details of everyday life holds your attention regardless their dated historical impact. One of the classics you do not expect to enjoy and are shocked that the read is not only enjoyable but the writing is a plus - this book is a keeper.

Very relevant story even today, blood mother is always a step ahead than a step mother, may be the second wife be better than the first. Complex nature of relationship of a small family is brought in lucid manner.

Very relevant story even today, blood mother is always a step ahead than a step mother, may be the second wife be better than the first. Complex nature of relationship of a small family is brought in lucid manner.

The characters in this classic novel are very well drawn. Mrs. Gaskell breathes life into these characters, so much so that you feel you know them. There are flaws and inconsistancies in the text, but Mrs. Gaskell died before she could complete the book, and many errors were never corrected. I like the Oxford World's Classics version because of the informative preface and notes at the end.

Having read all of Jane Austin and the Bronte sister's novels, I discovered Elizabeth Gaskill through some of PBS movies presented. I loved this book and it is so sad she died before completing the it. Don't dispair as you will know what is going to happen but will be denied her words and her exact ending. The characters are deep and rich...even though at the beginning I struggled to keep them in order in my brain. After that, I couldn't but it down. Now, I'm going to select another of her works and can hardly wait.

WOW. My only disappointment was that I did not read this classic so much sooner. At first the beginning was not as easy as I like, perhaps due to the small print, but what a complete gem!!! As I read on. I was so pleased the print IS as small as it was so that the book could hold every word. Highly recommend, especially to those fans of the British reprints such as Cold Comfort Farm, Excellent women and even fans of Little Women or Anne of Avonlea books from their youth.

Gaskell's "Wives and Daughters" is a wonderful read, and the over-all experience is enhanced by the beautiful cover. It's a perfect set up for sitting down with some tea, and becoming lost in the world of Molly Gibson's joys and sorrows.