A review by purplemuskogee
Wives and Daughters by Elizabeth Gaskell

lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This was really entertaining and light despite being a big fat Victorian novel. Despite the preoccupations being of their time (who worries about finding a wife so that they can chaperone their teenage,motherless daughter at charity balls??), it felt fresh and fun, with its cast of nosy neighbours, pretentious ladies, vain stepmum and good-looking men. The plot involved many parties, mini-breaks at the local lord's estate, secret weddings and inheritance. It could have been a season of Gossip Girl. 
It is unfinished, but I didn't mind, the missing part seems small and easy to guess with all the pieces at the right places when it ends - a bit like missing the last five minutes of a Hallmark movie when you know the two main characters will inevitably kiss and marry, and all will be well.