A-Z Wednesday is hosted by Vicky of Reading at the Beach. To join, look here.
This weeks letter is: W
Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell
Book Description:
Tremendously popular in her lifetime, Elizabeth Gaskell has often been overshadowed by her contemporaries the Brontës and George Eliot. Yet the reputation of her long-neglected masterpiece Wives and Daughters continues to grow, fulfilling Henry James’s prophecy that the novel would “continue for years to come to be read and relished . . .so delicately, so elaborately, so artistically, so truthfully, and heartily is the story wrought out.”
An enchanting tale of romance, scandal, and intrigue in the gossipy English town of Hollingford around the 1830s, Wives and Daughters tells the story of Molly Gibson, the seventeen-year-old daughter of a widowed country doctor. When her father remarries, she forms a close friendship with her new stepsister—the beautiful and worldly Cynthia—until they become love rivals for the affections of Squire Hamley’s sons, Osbourne and Roger. When sudden illness and death reveal some secrets while shrouding others in even deeper mystery, Molly feels that the world is out of joint and it is up to her—trusted by all but listened to by none—to set it right.
My thoughts:
I bought Wives and Daughters a couple of years ago after watching the film. Of course, it sat on my shelf until one day while reading through my Yahoo email groups someone commented how they didn't really like the book. Since I had really, really enjoyed the film I couldn't imagine not liking the book, so I was compelled to pick up the book and read it. I was not disappointed! Wives and Daughters is full of twists and turns and not to be missed moments. I do suggest if you get a copy with special "introductions" that you hold off reading them until the end of the book. I felt the introduction in my book gave away too much information.
I haven't read any Elizabeth Gaskell. That's high praise coming from James. It must be good. What a beautiful colour that cover is. That's the kind of book I like to have on my shelves. I'll put it on my to be considered list.
ReplyDeleteMy A-Z post is up.
I loved this book!
ReplyDeleteA-Z Wednesday: White Picket Fences by Susan Meissner
Oh, this one does sound good! I signed up for the historical fiction challenge, since I hardly EVER read anything in that genre lately, so this one might just be the one to start with!
ReplyDeleteMy post:
http://weboftyranny.blogspot.com/2010/01/z-wednesday_13.html
Sounds interesting!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the tip on not reading the introduction, I find that quite often is the case.
ReplyDeleteI have not read this one. I've seen the film.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the book or seen the movie.
ReplyDeleteThanks for playing!
This is one I keep intending to read and somehow always pass in favor if something else. Maybe this will be the year to read it!
ReplyDeleteSounds like one I would really enjoy. I've heard of it before, but never really though about adding it to my list.
ReplyDeleteThis is one I'll have to add to my "must read" list. Haven't read it or seen the film, but it sounds exactly like something I'd love!
ReplyDeleteI have also seen the film but haven't read the book. Interesting W for this week.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the book or watched the movie either! But your review makes it sound interesting.. Off I go to add it to my TBR!
ReplyDeleteI don't read the Introductions anymore. They ALWAYS give away too much!
ReplyDelete