Wives and Daughters Audiobook

" Not so much about wives---Mrs. Gibson reminded me of Mrs. Olsen on Little House on the Prairie. I could almost hear her voice in the dialogue. The daughters were so different---one a flirt, selfish, and unfeeling. The other was quiet, sensitive and extremely kind. After 600 plus pages, I was relieved to reach the end and it didn't matter that the author died before the book was finished because it was such a continuing story. This book was written as a serial, to be read in installments. Too bad books aren't published like that anymore. I know I'd be running to the bookstore for the next volume to satisfy my book fever! "

" Marvelous! Wonderful! Such a pity that it remained unfinished, b/c the whole thing is just so.... there aren't words to describe how lovely. "

" This was the first Gaskell I read, and it was a wonderful introduction. Though 'North and South' is my favorite, this is a definite re-read, I even liked the movie! "

" It really is too bad that Ms. Gaskill didn't live to finish this novel. She only had a chapter left. And even though her editor knew the gist of what would happen in the story, it's not quite the same as reading it straight from her pen. In the beginning of the story, I absolutely hated Hycinth. She is a liar and makes poor Molly look bad. I cringed when I learned that she was to become Molly's step-mother. But even though she still lies, schemes, and plots, Molly is not affected by her because she chooses not to be and because everyone already knows that she's a liar. "

" This victorian novel aptly explores the most basic of human relationships: mother to daughter, sister to sister, and father to daughter. The story centers on the effects of a country physician's decision to marry to provide a mother to his teenage daughter and how their family is altered by his decision. "

" I really hoped that I would like this novel, but I just couldnt get into it. It started off too slow for my tastes and didnt capture my interest. After reading the other reviews, I realized that the author died before finishing the book and it was completed by someone else. "

" A fun read, rather reminiscent of Jane Austen's writing style. Wives and Daughters is much less dark than Gaskell's North and South (also an excellent book). In wives and daughters, Gaskell explores the relationship between Molly Gibson, her beautiful stepsister, Cynthia, and their silly stepmother/mother, Clare. Be forewarned, though, that the book is very long. It's also unfinished, which I didn't realize when I started. Apparently Gaskell died before finishing the last couple of chapters, so the reader is left hanging. It's pretty easy to guess where she was going with it, although disappointing not to know for sure. Worth the read, but make sure you have a lot of time to read it. "

" I would have rated it higher, but my kindle was missing the end of the book, so I didn't actually get to finish. :( "

" For Jane Austen fans. A leisurely read that I could pick up and put down, but that I was never tempted to give up on. I read it over several months - and felt like I was spending time with good friends each time I picked it up again. "

" Good book, except the author died before finishing and it ends right at the most important part at the end...leaving you to make your own ending, but disappointing to read all that way and have no conclusion. Check out the BBC movie, however--I really liked that. "

" I love Elizabeth Gaskell's books and this one is no exception. Her characters are so well drawn they leap off the pages plus the plots are always excellently constructed. "

" The only bad part about this book is that the author died before she wrote the last chapter. Literally, she only needs ONE more to tie up everything. But I loved the story and I was very much looking forward to the end which is why I was so disappointed when it didn't come. Great character development! "

" Good with flashes of brilliance. "

" Gaskell paints a deeply nuanced picture of the lives of several characters in late 19th century England. Her exquisite writing shows a profound understanding of human nature and relationships and a sensitive appreciation of the social struggles of her period. Highly recommended. "

" I can't remember enjoying reading a book so much in a long time. This was pure delight. If you like Jane Austen, read Elizabeth Gaskell! Charming, very funny, uplifting, romantic and overall just so great. "

" I just finished this and if you like Jane Austen and books about small town life in England, where everyone knows everyone's business and reputations can be destroyed in an instant, you may appreciate this book. It takes place in the 1800s and was VERY popular at the time. The author died before the book was finished - only the last chapter was yet to be written, but you know what the last chapter contains. Well-drawn characters. I now want to read more by Gaskell. "

" Saw the BBC 4-part miniseries - ravishing photography, great storytelling, good editing down to make it fit in time allotted. Elizabeth Gaskell is better than Jane Austen. There. I said it. "

" The whole time I was reading this book, I felt like I was reading Austen. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who loves Jane Austen novels. It's very witty and romantic. "

" The book starts off a little slow but then once I got into it I enjoyed it. I wish there was more to it to read! "

" I gave up on this book. It was originally written as a serial with monthly updates. I guess it's the 1866 version of a soap opera. And while it may have had readers in the 19th century clamoring for more, it doesn't keep readers in 2011 on the edge of their seats. It just went on & on & on. . . If the author hadn't died, who know how long it would have gone on. "

" This book would get 5 stars because the story is wonderful, but the author died before she finished it. I was extremely frustrated. They should really put a disclaimer on the cover. "

" Even though Gaskell never finish the ending of this book, I loved reading it. I also like how the movie took what was in this book and created a very pleasing ending that would have matched the way this book was written. "

" Satisfying read...a little overly dramatic at times...character of Cynthia was very interesting...one of those women of that era who was trapped between the coming modern age and the time of Victorian rules and morals. "

" Although I loved the Molly, I thought Roger was lacking. The book is incomplete so we'll never know how things would have panned out for them. "

" It's hard to put into words my feelings of this book. I loved the style of writing, the story line, the unique characters, the feelin of leaving reality and being caught up in another world. In a word? Sigh. "

" A lovely story of love and family. Witty and heart warming. "

" I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters were quite real as people. The unfinished ending was unfortunate, but it allowed me to create the ending I wished without disappointment. "

" Marvelous! Wonderful! Such a pity that it remained unfinished, b/c the whole thing is just so.... there aren't words to describe how lovely. "

" i really liked the book. i was sorry the author died before finishing the book though. i have found that i really like this author, so i will be looking up what else she has written. "

" I didn't realize that this book wasn't finished when Gaskell died when I read this. "

" A fabulous read! Almost as good as Jane Austen! My only disappointment is that this is an unfinished novel so one is left hanging at the end wondering how Mrs. Gaskell would have resolved the story. Happily, I hope. "

" I got bored. I had no desire to finish this book. "

" Excellent. I loved this book, but it ended so oddly, it just stopped... "

" I loved this book but, Gaskell died before she finished it. I didn't realize that little fact while I was reading the novel and when I came to the end I wanted to die! "

" Gaskell paints a deeply nuanced picture of the lives of several characters in late 19th century England. Her exquisite writing shows a profound understanding of human nature and relationships and a sensitive appreciation of the social struggles of her period. Highly recommended. "

" Oh, book! It's absolutely *lovely*. But eek, the missing ending. It's kind of heartbreaking that the book cuts off where it does, but in a bizarre way, it's kind of perfect that it ends with Mrs. Gibson being Mrs. Gibson. "

" My heart will forever be tender for Molly Gibson. She grows and faces such challenges with dignity and grace. "

" I went on a Gaskell tear & read almost her whole oeuvre (ghost stories aside) on Stanza and this book is just marvelous, should be much more well known, an absolutely delightful masterpiece of 19th c. fiction. Her detail & realism & humor are fresh & winning to a modern ear. "

" 19th century fiction in the vein of Jane Austen. The BBC version is good. "

" Complex, realistic characters - much more interesting than Jane Austen's. The only weak point for me is the heroine. Too many tears! "

" Another yummy book in the Pride & Prejudice genre (that's Victorian right?). Gaskell didn't finish the ending so get your imagination ready. I just love Molly Gibson's character. This was another one that I discovered because of a movie--loved em both! "

" I really enjoyed the description of society and how they dealt with scandal. The romance was just enough. Nothing too heavy "

" Lovely book, albeit long. So sad that Mrs. Gaskell died before finishing it. Would have loved to know what she intended for the heroine. "

" I'd like to give this book a 3.5, as it vacillated between slow moving and page turning. I wish I had known the author died before writing the last chapter, but enough was known of her plans to not leave the reader hanging. After 520 pages though, it was a bit disappointing. "

" A contemporary of Charles Dickens, Elizabeth Gaskell had a rare talent, one that might rival both Dickens and Austen had she a bit more sense of humor. "

" The book starts off a little slow but then once I got into it I enjoyed it. I wish there was more to it to read! "

" Saw the adaptation of this sweet novel prior to reading and was intrigued enough to want the entire story. Highly recommended to those who follow Austen, Elliott, etc. "

" a contemporary of Dickens, Elizabeth Gaskell explores the class structure in England but from within the relationships of families in general and woman in particular--love this novel! "

" My husband commented "you sure devoured that book" when it was read in just a few days. The social rules of England make for some interesting reading. Add a love triangle and it amounts to speedy reading to see how the story unfolds. "

" It was slow and I didn't like the ending. "

" Similar style to Jane Austen. Enjoyable story and amazing grasp of characters. Loved it! "

" A bit too mannered for modern taste, I think. "

" While this book took me forever to read, I really enjoyed it. I like Gaskell's style, each time I picked it up, it felt comfortable and familiar, and I was genuinely interested in what would happen next. Good stuff. "

" Well-written portrait of society and love. "

" Loved this book but was really dissapointed when I got to the end and realized it's unfinished because the author abruptly died while writing it. It's still a great book but if you commit to reading the over 1,000 pages, be prepared that it doesn't have an ending. "

" Not the same cover but ISBN is correct. "

" I read this book after seeing the wonderful mini-series - both are excellent! "

" The character development is not nearly as compelling as in North and South, and of course it is frustrating that the work remains unfinished. I suppose I can always turn to the ending of the BBC adaptation for solace, though! "

" To bad Gaskell died before finishing the book. Bad note to end on. "

" Too bad it doesn,t have a proper end.. "

" I have only ever NOT finished 6 books in my whole life. Maybe someday I will pick this book up again, but I could not get into it. "

" The book starts very slowly, but if you love 19th century British novels, you will love this. Gaskell is very skillful in drawing her characters, and I really enjoyed getting to know the players in this overly long drama. I will definitely read more books by Gaskell. "

" The book starts very slowly, but if you love 19th century British novels, you will love this. Gaskell is very skillful in drawing her characters, and I really enjoyed getting to know the players in this overly long drama. I will definitely read more books by Gaskell. "

" The book starts very slowly, but if you love 19th century British novels, you will love this. Gaskell is very skillful in drawing her characters, and I really enjoyed getting to know the players in this overly long drama. I will definitely read more books by Gaskell. "

" It took me awhile to get into this book, but now that I'm into it, I find it very enjoyable, It's always fun to read a book with a character in it that has your name. I just wish that "Cynthia" was more like Molly in the book. "

" It took me awhile to get into this book, but now that I'm into it, I find it very enjoyable, It's always fun to read a book with a character in it that has your name. I just wish that "Cynthia" was more like Molly in the book. "

" It took me awhile to get into this book, but now that I'm into it, I find it very enjoyable, It's always fun to read a book with a character in it that has your name. I just wish that "Cynthia" was more like Molly in the book. "

" Be warned, the book ends suddenly because Elizabeth Gaskell died before finishing it. That was the only thing I disliked about this book. "

" Be warned, the book ends suddenly because Elizabeth Gaskell died before finishing it. That was the only thing I disliked about this book. "

" Be warned, the book ends suddenly because Elizabeth Gaskell died before finishing it. That was the only thing I disliked about this book. "

" i loved this book....i was really sad when i got to the back of the book and found that the author died before she was able to finish it. even without the end it is one of my favorite books. "

" i loved this book....i was really sad when i got to the back of the book and found that the author died before she was able to finish it. even without the end it is one of my favorite books. "

" i loved this book....i was really sad when i got to the back of the book and found that the author died before she was able to finish it. even without the end it is one of my favorite books. "

" Simultaneously lush and simple, drawing deep themes and sketching spectacularly complete characters. My only complaint is that the heroine lost some of her "muchness," in comparison to the portrayal in the BBC adaptation. "

" LbW selection, May, 2009.<br/><br/>Victorian Goodreads selection, April, 2011.<br/><br/>Listened to part on CD, but MP3 and didn't work well. Have not really finished reading the entire book. "

" Simultaneously lush and simple, drawing deep themes and sketching spectacularly complete characters. My only complaint is that the heroine lost some of her &quot;muchness,&quot; in comparison to the portrayal in the BBC adaptation. "

" LbW selection, May, 2009.<br/><br/>Victorian Goodreads selection, April, 2011.<br/><br/>Listened to part on CD, but MP3 and didn't work well. Have not really finished reading the entire book. "

" Simultaneously lush and simple, drawing deep themes and sketching spectacularly complete characters. My only complaint is that the heroine lost some of her &quot;muchness,&quot; in comparison to the portrayal in the BBC adaptation. "

" LbW selection, May, 2009.<br/><br/>Victorian Goodreads selection, April, 2011.<br/><br/>Listened to part on CD, but MP3 and didn't work well. Have not really finished reading the entire book. "

" I really enjoyed this book. Sadly, it abruptly ends, since the author died. It is still worth reading. There is enough of the conflict resolved that you can gather what will happen and the story is well done. I'd still read it again, knowing there is no ending. "

" I really enjoyed this book. Sadly, it abruptly ends, since the author died. It is still worth reading. There is enough of the conflict resolved that you can gather what will happen and the story is well done. I'd still read it again, knowing there is no ending. "

" I really enjoyed this book. Sadly, it abruptly ends, since the author died. It is still worth reading. There is enough of the conflict resolved that you can gather what will happen and the story is well done. I'd still read it again, knowing there is no ending. "

" One of my favorite reads. "

" One of my favorite reads. "

" Even though the book was never finished, it definitely has resolution. You feel like the ending is good. It's an enjoyable read--definitely a for-fun book. "

" Even though the book was never finished, it definitely has resolution. You feel like the ending is good. It's an enjoyable read--definitely a for-fun book. "

" Even though the book was never finished, it definitely has resolution. You feel like the ending is good. It's an enjoyable read--definitely a for-fun book. "

" I wish she had lived to write the ending I am sure I would have absolutely loved it then. "

" I wish she had lived to write the ending I am sure I would have absolutely loved it then. "

" I wish she had lived to write the ending I am sure I would have absolutely loved it then. "

" For Jane Austen fans. A leisurely read that I could pick up and put down, but that I was never tempted to give up on. I read it over several months - and felt like I was spending time with good friends each time I picked it up again. "

" For Jane Austen fans. A leisurely read that I could pick up and put down, but that I was never tempted to give up on. I read it over several months - and felt like I was spending time with good friends each time I picked it up again. "

" For Jane Austen fans. A leisurely read that I could pick up and put down, but that I was never tempted to give up on. I read it over several months - and felt like I was spending time with good friends each time I picked it up again. "

" Mrs. Gibson nee Kirkpatrick is a treasure of a wicked stepmother, and this novel contains that rarest of jewels: a Good Father. Love, love, love. The only thing that would have made this book better is if Mrs. Gaskell had lived to finish it. "

" Mrs. Gibson nee Kirkpatrick is a treasure of a wicked stepmother, and this novel contains that rarest of jewels: a Good Father. Love, love, love. The only thing that would have made this book better is if Mrs. Gaskell had lived to finish it. "

" Mrs. Gibson nee Kirkpatrick is a treasure of a wicked stepmother, and this novel contains that rarest of jewels: a Good Father. Love, love, love. The only thing that would have made this book better is if Mrs. Gaskell had lived to finish it. "

" I forgot it was unfinished, but the author was so close to finishing it that I didn't mind. I really enjoyed the characters. "

" I forgot it was unfinished, but the author was so close to finishing it that I didn't mind. I really enjoyed the characters. "

" I forgot it was unfinished, but the author was so close to finishing it that I didn't mind. I really enjoyed the characters. "