Cousin Phyllis
Fiction | Short Story | Adult | Published in 2007
124
Short Story • Fiction
19th century England
2007
Adult
16+ years
In "Cousin Phyllis" by Elizabeth Gaskell, a young engineer named Paul Manning meets his cousin, Phyllis Holman, a farmer's daughter living a secluded life. He becomes involved in her world, observing her relationships and personal growth as she navigates the complexities of love, life, and social expectations within a rural setting.
Contemplative
Nostalgic
Emotional
Bittersweet
2,879 ratings
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Cousin Phyllis by Elizabeth Gaskell is praised for its vivid characterizations and intimate portrayal of rural life. Critics commend Gaskell's nuanced exploration of emotional depth, although some feel the novella’s progression is slow. The narrative's subtlety and Gaskell's insightful examination of human relationships are widely appreciated, despite its leisurely pace.
A reader who enjoys Cousin Phyllis by Elizabeth Gaskell likely appreciates Victorian literature, character-driven narratives, and themes of rural life and personal growth. Fans of Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice or George Eliot's Middlemarch would find this novella's exploration of societal norms and relationships engaging.
2,879 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
124
Short Story • Fiction
19th century England
2007
Adult
16+ years
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