Elizabeth Gaskell Books

Elizabeth Gaskell (1810 - 1865), was a Victorian British writer. Her novels are fascinating to historians because they offer detailed portraits of people from every social class and she uses colloquialisms of the period. Of course, her books are also loved by a far wider audience for their moving stories, powerful relationships, social concern and the exploration of male authority. Her six novels are contained within two volumes: In Volume One: Mary Barton, Cranford, Ruth and North and South In Volume Two: Sylvia's Lovers and Wives and Daughters

Set in 19th century England, this collection features suspenseful tales that explore morality and human nature. "Disappearances" investigates the mysterious vanishing of six men, blending Victorian detective methods with eerie undertones. In contrast, "Christmas Storms and Sunshine" offers a heartwarming story of two rival newspaper families who unite in compassion when a child falls ill. The title story, "The Grey Woman," follows Anna, trapped in a dangerous marriage, as she and her loyal handmaid, Amante, navigate escape from her violent husband.

As far as she could see, her life was ordained to be lonely, and she must subdue her nature to her life, and, if possible, bring the two into harmony. When she could employ herself in fiction, all was comparatively well. The characters were her companions in the quiet hours, which she spent utterly alone, unable often to stir out of doors for many days together.

A was powerfully moving novel of a young woman caught between the attractions of two very different men, Sylvia's Lovers is set in the 1790s in an English seaside town. England is at war with France, and press-gangs wreak havoc by seizing young men for service. One of their victims is a whaling harpooner named Charley Kinraid, whose charm and vivacity have captured the heart of Sylvia Robson. But Sylvia's devoted cousin, Philip Hepburn, hopes to marry her himself and, in order to win her, deliberately withholds crucial information—with devastating consequences.

When circumstances drive Molly Gibson's father to re-marry after years of being a widower, naïve Molly's life is turned upside down by the arrival of an unwanted step-mother and her bewitching daughter, Cynthia. Though completely different, the two seventeen-year-old girls become instant friends. But when their lives grow increasingly intertwined with the two sons of Squire Hamley - the charismatic Osborne and the studious Roger - they look set to become rivals in love. And Cynthia has a dangerous secret from her past. When she entangles Molly in her desperate plans, both their reputations are put at risk. Wives and Daughters follows the progress of the hot-headed Molly and the sophisticated Cynthia as they grow into young women. This witty and life-affirming novel also creates a lively portrait of the scandals, snobberies, gossip and loyalties of a close-knit village community.

Elizabeth Gaskell (1810 - 1865) was a British novelist and short story writer during the Victorian era whose novels remain very popular to this day. They offer a detailed portrait of the lives of many strata of society, including the very poor, and as such are of interest to social historians as well as lovers of literature. Gaskell became popular for her novels, but also especially for her ghost stories, aided by Charles Dickens, who published her work in his magazine. In addition to her fiction, she also wrote the first biography of Charlotte Brontë, which played a significant role in developing her fellow writer's reputation. Even though her writing conforms to Victorian conventions, Gaskell usually frames her stories as criticisms of narrow-minded contemporary attitudes. She is a favorite with readers because she always emphasized the role of women, with complex narratives and dynamic female characters. This series of three novels is the perfect example of her work.

The narrative follows Edward Wilkins, a country lawyer with artistic inclinations, and his daughter Ellinor as they navigate the challenges of social status in the provincial town of Hamley. Edward's attempts to integrate into the elite circles he serves highlight the tension between his true self and societal expectations. The story explores themes of identity, class disparity, and the struggle for acceptance, all set against the backdrop of 19th-century England, showcasing Gaskell's keen social observations.

Elizabeth Gaskell's novels provide intricate portrayals of various social classes in Victorian Britain, enriched with period-specific colloquialisms. Her storytelling captivates readers through emotional narratives, strong character relationships, and a keen awareness of social issues, particularly the dynamics of male authority. These elements make her work appealing not only to historians but also to a broader audience seeking depth and insight into the human experience during her time.

My Lady Ludlow is Elizabeth Gaskell's charming tale of the conflict between progress and tradition, set in the England of 1800. Lady Ludlow is a kind, generous, and responsible member of the English aristocracy. She is also a trenchant traditionalist, virulently opposed to any move that would bring change to the social order. In the little village of Hanbury over which she presides, she finds herself increasingly opposed by those who have different visions of the greater good. A clergyman wishes to build a schoolhouse to educate the poor; her estate steward wants to help a local poacher's son. Will Lady Ludlow be able to cope with the changing times? Told with warmth and a sure feel for period detail, My Lady Ludlow will delight all lovers of historical fiction.

A biography of Charlotte that recounts Charlotte Bronte's life from her isolated childhood, through her years as a writer who had 'foreseen the single life' for herself, to her marriage at thirty-eight and death less than a year later.