Molly is the moral heart of classic novel Wives and Daughters but it is her flawed step-sister Cynthia who may appeal to readers more. The two girls are a study in comparisons. Molly is concerned with goodness while Cynthia’s relationship with her ghastly mother Mrs Gibson echoes that of Lizzie and Mrs Bennet in Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

Elizabeth Gaskell’s final novel is a masterpiece of character observation. She shows the two women in their full complexity, using humour and poignancy.

Now Sherry Ashworth compares and contrasts these two unique characters written by Elizabeth at the height of her literary powers. Join like-minded literary fans as we find out more about two central characters from Wives and Daughters.

‘Truly found well organised, technically good and great insights’ Previous audience member

Part of Wives and Daughters season