Wives And Daughters

'Wives and Daughters' is a significant work by Elizabeth Gaskell, set in the early 19th century, that illuminates the complex social structures and changes of that time. The story follows seventeen-year-old Molly Gibson, whose life is turned upside down by her widowed father's decision to remarry. With the arrival of her manipulative stepfather and glamorous stepsister Cynthia, Molly becomes entangled in a web of intrigue and emotional conflict. Gaskell, known for her empathetic character portrayals and sharp social criticism, offers a profound analysis of gender roles and moral values in the Victorian era in this novel. The narrative is not only a captivating story about family and identity but also a reflection of the societal changes that shaped the period. Gaskell's final novel remains a timeless work that continues to resonate with readers today.