13 Comments

I haven't read Wives and Daughters, as the only Gaskell book I've read is North and South. I loved reading your thoughts on the book, and hopefully I'll get around to reading it soon.

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North and South is my next favorite. It has so many moving passages to it! Thank you, and it’s well worth the read!

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I really loved what you had to say in your piece about Wives and Daughters, Elise! I have read (and listened to) Wives and Daughters many times. Your thoughts have enriched my appreciation of the book, and I love Molly Gibson even more than ever!

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Thank you so very much for your kind words. It’s wonderful to know I can help another Gaskell lover appreciate her works in a new way

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SO MUCH DYING in her stories! Uh, like real life.

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I really enjoyed this piece! And now I’m inspired to read Wives and Daughters. Thank you!

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Thank you so much! I hope you enjoy reading it!

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I’ve only read North and South as well, and I loved it. I’m going to order Wives and Daughters from my library right now! Thank you for the recommendation and the thoughtful commentary.

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It has all the fun of the Darcy/Elizabeth love/hate relationship with really interesting and insightful commentary about labor conditions/social justice issues that still feels relevant. I hope you enjoy Wives and Daughters just as much, and thank you for your kind words!

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I am obviously a Jane Austen fan, so this makes me even more eager to read the book! Also, I’ve always been a fan of Cinderella stories. And, you’re welcome!

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I realized I wasn’t clear in my comment-I was describing North and South. The love story in Wives and Daughters is much more Mansfield Park but without the very comfortable cousin factor. And Molly is less meek than Fanny. Still has some of the social commentary but feels more like Austen in that it’s focusing on middle to upper class rather than working class issues like North and South!

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Ah yes, I do see the Darcy/Elizabeth comparison for North and South - I should have realized. I just finished another re-read of Mansfield Park (my “Lent Austen”) and I love it more each time I read it. So still quite looking forward to Wives and Daughters! I already put a hold on a copy at my library :)

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That’s a great Lent Austen choice. I’ve appreciated Mansfield Park a lot more the more I’ve read it. The Literary Life Podcast also did a fantastic read through of it that helped me a lot in liking it more

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