Wives and Daughters

De: Elizabeth Gaskell

Narrado por: Nadia May

Set in English society before the 1832 Reform Bill, Wives and Daughters centers on the story of youthful Molly Gibson, brought up from childhood by her father. When he remarries, a new stepsister enters Molly's quiet life, the loveable, but worldly and troubling, Cynthia. The narrative traces the development of the two girls into womanhood within the gossiping and watchful society of Hollingford.(P)2002 Blackstone Audiobooks. Originally published in England between 1864 and 1866.

Enjoyable story, excellent performance.

If you could sum up Wives and Daughters in three words, what would they be?

True love wins.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Molly Gibson was my favorite character because she exuded nothing but [character]. She was steadfast or, "constant" as termed several times in the book. I have to give Cynthia credit for being honest, if nothing else. Mr. Gibson, Lady Harriet, and Phoebe played great supporting roles, always championing Molly.

Which scene was your favorite?

I loved the scene when Lady Harriet proudly paraded Molly all over town. It was also funny when Roger tells Mr. Gibson of his intentions (at the end of the story).

If you could rename Wives and Daughters, what would you call it?

One More Chapter? Lol. The Heart Grows Fonder...

Any additional comments?

I was so sad to learn that Mrs. Gaskell died before completing the last chapter of Wives and Daughters. Fortunately, she shared the plot of her story with others, so the reader at least knew what she had in mind for an ending. Unfortunately, I didn't know the story was left unfinished until I reached the end. I was doubly frustrated because I'd just finished North and South, also by Gaskell, which also ended abruptly due to severe time constraints. Overall, she was a gifted writer, a little verbose, but I like the way she developed her characters and plots. Seamless closure to her stories (Wives and Daughters, and North and South, at least), was not meant to be, however.

Nadia May did an excellent job narrating the story, and was the perfect choice for Wives and Daughters.

An escape, well performed

This was very long and if you're looking for an escape to another land and time it's entertaining. But it takes awhile to gain any intrigue, almost half the book.

Wonderful characters brought to life in narration

This writing reminded me of Jane Austen's wit but with even more subtly drawn characters. They are very believable with shades of virtue and flaw but without annoying caricatures. Nadia May is a discovery for me as a reader -- through soft changes of tone, voice timber and accent she creates characters easily identifiable as male and female, old or young, each with a distinct personality . I fell in love with Mr. Gibson among others. Probably one of my most enjoyable Audible listens! After finishing I looked up the BBC production and after watching for a brief time I was bored-- the characters and story as read by Ms. May were far more alive!

wonderful

Would you listen to Wives and Daughters again? Why?
This classic look at early 1800's village life in England is so well written and narrated that I fell into it completely from beginning to end. Why had I never heard of this novel before? Originally serialized in the monthly literary magazine "The Cornhill", it has all the trappings of a good soap opera but with characters drawn with amazing detail and balance. The author died before completing the last chapter and an afterward from her editor give hints as to how the last strings would have been tied up. There is also a BBC TV production on Netflix. Nadia May provides superior narration. A great investment in time!

A Really Good Victorian Novel

"Wives and Daughters" is Elizabeth Gaskell's final novel. She actually died prior to its completion. However it was almost finished. It is very lengthy and was published in serial form over many months. I found it easier to listen to, and read simultaneously in that fashion, small readings over perhaps two months.

Nadia May is one of my favorite Victorian narrators. She is excellent in this performance.

I do need to add that my personal favorite novel by Elizabeth Gaskell remains "Cranford". Thank You...