Wives and Daughters, a novel by Elizabeth Gaskell, was first published as a serial in the Cornhill Magazine from August 1864 to January 1866. Though Gaskell passed away suddenly in 1865, leaving the book incomplete, the final section was finished by Frederick Greenwood. The story is set in a small provincial English town in the 1830s and centers on Molly Gibson, the only daughter of a widowed doctor.

Raised in a peaceful environment, Molly’s life takes a sudden turn when her father remarries, introducing a new stepmother and her daughter, Cynthia, who is beautiful, charming, and complicated. Throughout the novel, we witness Molly facing emotional challenges both in her family life and in her romantic relationships, as she navigates the complexities of English society during that time.

This novel, often regarded as one of Gaskell’s best, provides a detailed view of family and social dynamics in the Victorian era, tackling themes such as marriage, social standing, and parent-child relationships. It is also praised for the psychological depth of its characters and its rich depiction of everyday life.

Modern editions of Wives and Daughters often include illustrations and are carefully formatted to offer an excellent reading experience while preserving the original, unabridged text. This is one of the classic historical fiction books that every literature lover should read.