Wives and Daughters

Performed by Laura Aikman, this Penguin Classic edition of Wives and Daughters includes an introduction by Pam Norris. Set in pre-1832 Reform Bill England, the story follows Molly Gibson, whose life changes dramatically with the arrival of her new stepsister, Cynthia. As the two girls navigate the complexities of womanhood in their small town of Hollingford, the narrative delves into the societal expectations and gossip of mid-Victorian life, offering both an intimate portrayal and a sharp critique of the era.