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Cousin Phyllis
A haunting, beautifully controlled novella, Cousin Phyllis is considered to be among Elizabeth Gaskell's finest short works. Lodging with a minister on the outskirts of London, Paul Manning is initially dismayed to discover that the uncle he must visit in the country is also a churchman. Yet far from the oppressively religious household he envisages, Manning is delighted to meet his genial relations—not least, his cousin Phyllis. But when Phyllis falls for the charms of his more sophisticated colleague, Manning's family ties render him powerless to prevent the inevitable heartbreak that ensues. Collaborator and friend of Charles Dickens and Wilkie Collins, Elizabeth Gaskell (1810–1865) is a leading figure in Victorian literature.
124 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1863
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About the author
Elizabeth Gaskell
1,132 books3,757 followersElizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell, née Stevenson (29 September 1810 – 12 November 1865), often referred to simply as Mrs. Gaskell, was an English novelist and short story writer during the Victorian era. Her novels offer a detailed portrait of the lives of many strata of society, including the very poor, and as such are of interest to social historians as well as lovers of literature.
AKA:
Елізабет Гаскелл (Ukrainian)
AKA:
Елізабет Гаскелл (Ukrainian)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 414 reviews
July 24, 2019
4 "pastoral, charming and delightful" stars !!!
This is a lovely little novella about a young man's coming of age and his growing friendship with his cousin Phillis who lives on a farm in Northern England and his boss Holdsworth who is an engineer.
Gaskell is a wonderful painter of words and with deft strokes of her brush is able to impart to a contemporary reader what life in pastoral England in the mid-nineteenth century was like. She is able to convey in such a short book what life on a farm is like but also what life is like for the servants, the clergy, the upper classes and the professionals. She paints sympathetic portraits of all her characters and with compassion is able to see the world through their eyes which is mitigated by class, upbringing, gender, education and spiritual leanings.
Against this lovely backdrop is the development of a quasi love triangle among young Paul,his cousin Phillis and the intelligent roguish Holdsworth. There are elements of restrained homosexual desire, heterosexual passions and the fine lines between platonic and romantic love. All this and there is not one passionate kiss among any of the trio.
Paul says of his cousin Phillis:
"...she's a great deal taller and cleverer; and I'd rather be taller and more learned than my wife when I have one"
Paul says of his friend Holdsworth:
" And again and afresh I saw what a handsome pleasant clear face his was;....my hero resumed all his empire over me by his bright merry laugh"
Phillis finds Holdsworth handsome as well but states about his foreign haircut:
"I like an Englishman to look an Englishman"
Holdsworth quite unsure about the sway he holds over both genders is innocently charming but leaves heartache in his path. Paul laments:
"It is many years since I have seen thee, Edward Holdsworth, but thou wast a delightful fellow! Ay and a good one too; though much sorrow was caused by thee!"
Although I focused primarily on the triad, I believe that Gaskell wanted to impart the sensitivity and fragility of a young woman's heart after she has fallen in love for the first time. Despite this there are allusions of much more than just heterosexual desire in this novel but rather that despite the simplicity of rural life that relationships are complex, multilayered and multifaceted and ultimately can lead to heartbreak and sometimes even physical illness.
Well done Ms. Gaskell and I look forward to reading your more major works.
This is a lovely little novella about a young man's coming of age and his growing friendship with his cousin Phillis who lives on a farm in Northern England and his boss Holdsworth who is an engineer.
Gaskell is a wonderful painter of words and with deft strokes of her brush is able to impart to a contemporary reader what life in pastoral England in the mid-nineteenth century was like. She is able to convey in such a short book what life on a farm is like but also what life is like for the servants, the clergy, the upper classes and the professionals. She paints sympathetic portraits of all her characters and with compassion is able to see the world through their eyes which is mitigated by class, upbringing, gender, education and spiritual leanings.
Against this lovely backdrop is the development of a quasi love triangle among young Paul,his cousin Phillis and the intelligent roguish Holdsworth. There are elements of restrained homosexual desire, heterosexual passions and the fine lines between platonic and romantic love. All this and there is not one passionate kiss among any of the trio.
Paul says of his cousin Phillis:
"...she's a great deal taller and cleverer; and I'd rather be taller and more learned than my wife when I have one"
Paul says of his friend Holdsworth:
" And again and afresh I saw what a handsome pleasant clear face his was;....my hero resumed all his empire over me by his bright merry laugh"
Phillis finds Holdsworth handsome as well but states about his foreign haircut:
"I like an Englishman to look an Englishman"
Holdsworth quite unsure about the sway he holds over both genders is innocently charming but leaves heartache in his path. Paul laments:
"It is many years since I have seen thee, Edward Holdsworth, but thou wast a delightful fellow! Ay and a good one too; though much sorrow was caused by thee!"
Although I focused primarily on the triad, I believe that Gaskell wanted to impart the sensitivity and fragility of a young woman's heart after she has fallen in love for the first time. Despite this there are allusions of much more than just heterosexual desire in this novel but rather that despite the simplicity of rural life that relationships are complex, multilayered and multifaceted and ultimately can lead to heartbreak and sometimes even physical illness.
Well done Ms. Gaskell and I look forward to reading your more major works.
August 17, 2021
- Il prezzo della ' modernità ' -
Un bel libro, non c'è dubbio. Gaskell sa bene come narrare, rappresentare le sfumature dell'afflizione e della speranza.
Scritto nel 1863-64, ci porta nella serenità della campagna inglese, dove la cosiddetta 'modernità' entra con l'espansione ferroviaria che segnò il periodo, qui tramite la costruzione di un nuovo tratto di percorso.
Il paesaggio rurale è semplice e grandioso, idilliaco col "profumo dei cespugli di rosa canina e frassinella che era nell'aria" e dove nella bella stagione "aleggiava un'intensa pace estiva" e "il ronzio degli insetti riempiva l'aria tiepida piena di luce" .
La famiglia di un pastore d'anime, nonché abile agricoltore, vive in sobria letizia e riconoscenza. Nulla pare turbarla.
L'intromissione giunge nelle vesti di un giovane ingegnere ferroviario che dirige i lavori in corso.
A non essere indifferente è soprattutto la figlia del pastore.
L'autrice, abilmente e senza forzature, ci rappresenta come le dinamiche del nuovo mondo della tecnica s'intromettano anche nei destini privati intimi delle persone.
La pacata narrazione stempera le asperità della trama, rendendo la lettura gradevole e rispettosa, senza accusare o assolvere, semplicemente con un procedere palpitante e umanamente coinvolgente.
Anche il finale è in totale equilibrio con le parti precedenti, attribuendo così al romanzo una splendida unitarietà.
Un bel libro, non c'è dubbio. Gaskell sa bene come narrare, rappresentare le sfumature dell'afflizione e della speranza.
Scritto nel 1863-64, ci porta nella serenità della campagna inglese, dove la cosiddetta 'modernità' entra con l'espansione ferroviaria che segnò il periodo, qui tramite la costruzione di un nuovo tratto di percorso.
Il paesaggio rurale è semplice e grandioso, idilliaco col "profumo dei cespugli di rosa canina e frassinella che era nell'aria" e dove nella bella stagione "aleggiava un'intensa pace estiva" e "il ronzio degli insetti riempiva l'aria tiepida piena di luce" .
La famiglia di un pastore d'anime, nonché abile agricoltore, vive in sobria letizia e riconoscenza. Nulla pare turbarla.
L'intromissione giunge nelle vesti di un giovane ingegnere ferroviario che dirige i lavori in corso.
A non essere indifferente è soprattutto la figlia del pastore.
L'autrice, abilmente e senza forzature, ci rappresenta come le dinamiche del nuovo mondo della tecnica s'intromettano anche nei destini privati intimi delle persone.
La pacata narrazione stempera le asperità della trama, rendendo la lettura gradevole e rispettosa, senza accusare o assolvere, semplicemente con un procedere palpitante e umanamente coinvolgente.
Anche il finale è in totale equilibrio con le parti precedenti, attribuendo così al romanzo una splendida unitarietà.
February 11, 2020
Paul Manning, trabajaba bajo el mando del Sr. Holdsworth para ampliar las líneas del ferrocarril en Cheshire, en el noroeste de Inglaterra, muy cerca de donde vive la prima de su madre, en la granja “La esperanza”, por lo que va a visitarles, allí conocerá a la hija de la prima de su madre, Phillis, sobre la que gira la novela.
Contada en primera persona a través del personaje de Paul, la autora refleja la vida en la granja para los propietarios, que además es reverendo y los trabajadores de la misma, la educación de cada uno de ellos, las relaciones familiares, el avance industrial en la Inglaterra rural, el despertar al amor de una joven, su sensibilidad y la fragilidad ante la pérdida de ese primer amor, el amor no correspondido.
Es una historia de ritmo lento centrada en las hechos cotidianos de la vida diaria en una comunidad pequeña con tintes melodramáticos.
Una novela muy cortita, deliciosa para los amantes de “la Gaskell”, las novelas victorianas, costumbristas y muy british.
Contada en primera persona a través del personaje de Paul, la autora refleja la vida en la granja para los propietarios, que además es reverendo y los trabajadores de la misma, la educación de cada uno de ellos, las relaciones familiares, el avance industrial en la Inglaterra rural, el despertar al amor de una joven, su sensibilidad y la fragilidad ante la pérdida de ese primer amor, el amor no correspondido.
Es una historia de ritmo lento centrada en las hechos cotidianos de la vida diaria en una comunidad pequeña con tintes melodramáticos.
Una novela muy cortita, deliciosa para los amantes de “la Gaskell”, las novelas victorianas, costumbristas y muy british.
December 21, 2023
Se “Nord e Sud” il primo romanzo da me letto di Elizabeth Gaskell [1810-1865] mi aveva conquistato con la sua complessità sulle lotte operaie in una cittadina mineraria inglese e con il difficile e tortuoso avvicinamento sentimentale dei due protagonisti, “Mia Cugina Phillis” scritto nel 1864 abbandona l’ambiente cittadino per trasferirsi nella bucolica campagna inglese e racconta la dolorosa iniziazione di Phillis, una diciassettenne che vive spensieratamente insieme agli amati genitori, il padre pastore di anime, lo stimato Rev. Holman, dedito alla prosperità della sua terra e all’allevamento ma anche alla lettura e allo studio dei classici antichi e la madre che dedica la sua vita al marito e alla figlia.
La conoscenza e la frequentazione del giovane, idealista cugino Paul che lavora nel tracciamento per la costruzione della rete ferroviaria nelle vicinanze e dell’affascinante ed erudito ingegnere capo Holdsworth porterà scompiglio nella famigliola ma soprattutto nell’anima pura e disarmata della giovane Phillis.
Un racconto perfetto che mi ha rapito dalle prime pagine per la sua eleganza di scrittura, il suo tono sommesso e elegiaco grazie all’alternarsi dei fatti con la descrizione della campagna inglese, dei lavori stagionali, gli olezzi della terra e dei fiori, la raccolta dei frutti e del fieno, gli improvvisi acquazzoni e gli indimenticabili tramonti che accompagnano e stemperano gli affanni dell’animo dei protagonisti e le piccole tragedie quotidiane.
La conoscenza e la frequentazione del giovane, idealista cugino Paul che lavora nel tracciamento per la costruzione della rete ferroviaria nelle vicinanze e dell’affascinante ed erudito ingegnere capo Holdsworth porterà scompiglio nella famigliola ma soprattutto nell’anima pura e disarmata della giovane Phillis.
Un racconto perfetto che mi ha rapito dalle prime pagine per la sua eleganza di scrittura, il suo tono sommesso e elegiaco grazie all’alternarsi dei fatti con la descrizione della campagna inglese, dei lavori stagionali, gli olezzi della terra e dei fiori, la raccolta dei frutti e del fieno, gli improvvisi acquazzoni e gli indimenticabili tramonti che accompagnano e stemperano gli affanni dell’animo dei protagonisti e le piccole tragedie quotidiane.
January 21, 2020
A book about rural English life in the mid-1800s, first love and a coming-of-age story.
The story is told by Phillis’ second cousin, Paul Manning, an engineer clerk working under Mr. Edward Holdsworth to extend railroad branch lines in Cheshire in northwestern England. Paul, seventeen, admires his boss and the two become friends. Edward becomes ill. To recuperate, Paul takes him to live in the country with Phillis’ family. Ebenezer Holman, Phillis’ father, is both a priest and a farmer, learned, kind and hardworking. Such a character is a pure joy to meet. Phillis, being his only child, he is devoted to her. He teaches her not only the scriptures but also Latin and literature. Dante is a favorite. When Edward Holdsworth comes to stay, friendship is kindled. Edward has traveled the world and his knowledge is tantalizing, to both father and daughter. Edward is no country bumpkin! Phillis, thoroughly dazzled, falls in love. Country ways versus the sparkle of the new is Gaskell’s theme.
The story is fine, but if failed to give me much to think about.
I find it realistic in some ways, but not in others. On one hand, Phillis and her father are closely bonded, and yet he scarcely notes that his beloved daughter is tortured by Edward’s departure. I find this strange! Paul is a terribly ingenuous seventeen-year-old and remains so throughout the entire tale.
Readers are fleetingly told whom Paul marries, halfway through the book, and then nothing more is said.
By the end, the character I found most engaging is Betty, the maid at Phillis’ home. She is clear-spoken and down to earth. She tells Phillis, , to get a hold of herself, out of bed and out of the dumps! In life one must roll with the punches. Betty is, however, merely a secondary character in the novel.
I usually do like audiobook narrations performed by Peter Joyce. In this one his intonations for the male characters are hunky dory, but the voice he gives Betty is all wrong. She is indistinguishable from the aged country men. The narration is not bad, but not as good as usual. My rating here is three. It’s fine; it’s good.
I can’t say much about the book since it didn’t do much for me.
There are some funny lines. Remember how I mentioned Paul’s ingenuousness? Read what he says here:
“Early as it was, every one had breakfasted, and my basin of bread and milk was put on the oven-top to await my coming down. Every one was gone about their work. The first to come into the house-place was Phillis with a basket of eggs. Faithful to my resolution, I asked -
"What are those?"
(He doesn't want to get into a deep discussion of books again! He perceives his knowledge inferior to Phillis'.)
She looked at me for a moment, and then said gravely -
"Potatoes!"
"No! they are not," said I. "They are eggs. What do you mean by saying they are potatoes?"
"What do you mean by asking me what they were, when they are plain to be seen?" retorted she.
We were both getting a little angry with each other.”
This I laughed at when I listened, and I found it on the GR quote page.
****************
*Wives and Daughters 4 stars
*Ruth 4 stars
*Cousin Phillis 3 stars
*North and South 2 stars
*Cranford 2 stars
*Mr. Harrison's Confessions 1 star
The story is told by Phillis’ second cousin, Paul Manning, an engineer clerk working under Mr. Edward Holdsworth to extend railroad branch lines in Cheshire in northwestern England. Paul, seventeen, admires his boss and the two become friends. Edward becomes ill. To recuperate, Paul takes him to live in the country with Phillis’ family. Ebenezer Holman, Phillis’ father, is both a priest and a farmer, learned, kind and hardworking. Such a character is a pure joy to meet. Phillis, being his only child, he is devoted to her. He teaches her not only the scriptures but also Latin and literature. Dante is a favorite. When Edward Holdsworth comes to stay, friendship is kindled. Edward has traveled the world and his knowledge is tantalizing, to both father and daughter. Edward is no country bumpkin! Phillis, thoroughly dazzled, falls in love. Country ways versus the sparkle of the new is Gaskell’s theme.
The story is fine, but if failed to give me much to think about.
I find it realistic in some ways, but not in others. On one hand, Phillis and her father are closely bonded, and yet he scarcely notes that his beloved daughter is tortured by Edward’s departure. I find this strange! Paul is a terribly ingenuous seventeen-year-old and remains so throughout the entire tale.
Readers are fleetingly told whom Paul marries, halfway through the book, and then nothing more is said.
By the end, the character I found most engaging is Betty, the maid at Phillis’ home. She is clear-spoken and down to earth. She tells Phillis, , to get a hold of herself, out of bed and out of the dumps! In life one must roll with the punches. Betty is, however, merely a secondary character in the novel.
I usually do like audiobook narrations performed by Peter Joyce. In this one his intonations for the male characters are hunky dory, but the voice he gives Betty is all wrong. She is indistinguishable from the aged country men. The narration is not bad, but not as good as usual. My rating here is three. It’s fine; it’s good.
I can’t say much about the book since it didn’t do much for me.
There are some funny lines. Remember how I mentioned Paul’s ingenuousness? Read what he says here:
“Early as it was, every one had breakfasted, and my basin of bread and milk was put on the oven-top to await my coming down. Every one was gone about their work. The first to come into the house-place was Phillis with a basket of eggs. Faithful to my resolution, I asked -
"What are those?"
(He doesn't want to get into a deep discussion of books again! He perceives his knowledge inferior to Phillis'.)
She looked at me for a moment, and then said gravely -
"Potatoes!"
"No! they are not," said I. "They are eggs. What do you mean by saying they are potatoes?"
"What do you mean by asking me what they were, when they are plain to be seen?" retorted she.
We were both getting a little angry with each other.”
This I laughed at when I listened, and I found it on the GR quote page.
****************
*Wives and Daughters 4 stars
*Ruth 4 stars
*Cousin Phillis 3 stars
*North and South 2 stars
*Cranford 2 stars
*Mr. Harrison's Confessions 1 star
August 24, 2016
It's been ages since I read "Wives and Daughters" - what was I, 17? 18? So this was a shock to me. Really, I was surprised by how good the writing was - on every level, and I shouldn't have been.
(I've tried not to read anyone else's review so I can get my thoughts down here without having been influenced by anyone. This will be my no-frills reaction to a great book.)
The male/female relationships in this book are fascinating. Phyllis and her father are a perfect example of that tension between what a man of his generation expected of a woman, and a loving father seeing his daughter as a human being rather than a role (as he does his wife), and encouraging her gift and enjoyment of learning just as he does his own. His wife feels this difference, although she loves her husband dearly. I like all the males in this book, actually. Paul, who recognizes a superior intellect in Phyllis, and though embarrassed by his own failings, sympathizes with her life's limitations. Holdsworth, who wholeheartedly enters into the family life and adds to their interest, while also seeing Phyllis's true worth. The "minister" (probably the best representation of a church leader as a sincere follower of the teachings of Jesus that I have ever come across in literature), whose life is expanded and deepened in interest and enjoyment by his beliefs rather than the opposite - not without faults or wrestlings with conscience - but as a strong and complicated character, just like his daughter.
This short book has left me with a lot of thoughts. Gaskell doesn't wrap things up like a fairy-tale, thank God. But I feel as if she had cracked open a window and let some air and light in for me. The way the characters in this book influence each other! It moves me - silly as that sounds.
Loved it. Highly recommend it. The Librivox version is read by the excellent Elisabeth Klett.
(I've tried not to read anyone else's review so I can get my thoughts down here without having been influenced by anyone. This will be my no-frills reaction to a great book.)
The male/female relationships in this book are fascinating. Phyllis and her father are a perfect example of that tension between what a man of his generation expected of a woman, and a loving father seeing his daughter as a human being rather than a role (as he does his wife), and encouraging her gift and enjoyment of learning just as he does his own. His wife feels this difference, although she loves her husband dearly. I like all the males in this book, actually. Paul, who recognizes a superior intellect in Phyllis, and though embarrassed by his own failings, sympathizes with her life's limitations. Holdsworth, who wholeheartedly enters into the family life and adds to their interest, while also seeing Phyllis's true worth. The "minister" (probably the best representation of a church leader as a sincere follower of the teachings of Jesus that I have ever come across in literature), whose life is expanded and deepened in interest and enjoyment by his beliefs rather than the opposite - not without faults or wrestlings with conscience - but as a strong and complicated character, just like his daughter.
This short book has left me with a lot of thoughts. Gaskell doesn't wrap things up like a fairy-tale, thank God. But I feel as if she had cracked open a window and let some air and light in for me. The way the characters in this book influence each other! It moves me - silly as that sounds.
Loved it. Highly recommend it. The Librivox version is read by the excellent Elisabeth Klett.
September 6, 2020
Elizabeth Gaskell skilfully explores the tensions inherent in mid-Victorian Britain in this delicately nuanced and luminously beautiful story that evocatively captures a rural world on the cusp of change.
Like ‘Hard Times,’ this is a coming-of-age tale that questions the moral and social responsibilities of a society grappling with the implications of technological and economic change in an increasingly industrialised world.
Like ‘Hard Times,’ this is a coming-of-age tale that questions the moral and social responsibilities of a society grappling with the implications of technological and economic change in an increasingly industrialised world.
May 17, 2015
I've read Elizabeth Gaskell before this one (5th) so I knew she was a good writer, but I was still amazed at how good this short novel was. The writing, the characters, the setting, the story, everything was just perfect. I would think for any modern day writer, this story would be a good example of how to go about it, and how to do it right. It's also a snapshot of what life in rural England in the mid to late 19th century was probably like, especially the human element. Young Paul Manning and his cousin Phillis Holman (15-16) are the central characters of the story, and their relationship is more like siblings than potential lover's. The love interest for Phillis is introduced when Paul brings his boss, Holdsworth, to the Holman's for a visit. Phillis' parents are also prominent. Her father is a minister/farmer and her mother the traditional housewife of the period. This is the story of family relationships, gender issues, and unrequited love, as well as the impact of industrial advancement (railroad) on the culture of rural England. But mostly it's the heartrending story of first love and it's impact on the young lover and her family. My next Gaskell read is Wives and Daughters and really looking forward to it.
January 3, 2021
Este libro es justo lo que necesitaba en estos momentos. Una historia con un ambiente rural, costumbrista y con una trama pausada pero no por ello lenta o aburrida.
La novela es narrada por Paul Manning, un chico que trabaja para una constructora de vías de ferrocarriles, cuya labor se realiza muy cerca de la granja Esperanza, donde vive una prima segunda de su madre, y con ella su marido y la hija que tienen en común, Phillis, quien es la verdadera protagonista de la historia.
El libro no supera las 200 páginas, pero a pesar de ser corto, el sentido de la historia es profundo y con un gran mensaje para el final. Gaskell sí que sabe transportarte al lugar donde desarrolla la obra y hacerte sentir parte de la misma.
Totalmente recomendable.
La novela es narrada por Paul Manning, un chico que trabaja para una constructora de vías de ferrocarriles, cuya labor se realiza muy cerca de la granja Esperanza, donde vive una prima segunda de su madre, y con ella su marido y la hija que tienen en común, Phillis, quien es la verdadera protagonista de la historia.
El libro no supera las 200 páginas, pero a pesar de ser corto, el sentido de la historia es profundo y con un gran mensaje para el final. Gaskell sí que sabe transportarte al lugar donde desarrolla la obra y hacerte sentir parte de la misma.
Totalmente recomendable.
December 27, 2015
An older man recounts an instance in his youth when he became fast friends with a local pious family. But in introducing them to his charming boss, he inadvertently causes teenaged Phillis romantic agony. Like Gaskell's other work, this is a slow-paced tale focused on the minutia of a small community's daily lives and feelings. Unlike the other work I've read by her, this has a section in which a woman swoons after hearing her crush has gotten married, and then nearly dies of brain fever (whatever that might be) and stays near death for months. It was so melodramatic and inexplicable to me that it tainted my enjoyment of the earlier section of the novel.
June 9, 2022
Creo que Elizabeth Gaskell se esta convirtiendo en mi escritora victoriana favorita.
En esta historia logra meternos en ese ambiente rural e intimista, dulce y familiar. Llena de paz y aromas de campo, un lugar tan acogedor que llegamos a empatizar inmediatamente con los personajes y el ambiente creado para el desarrollo de la trama.
Lectura rápida y amena, en donde en medio de ese escenario rural vemos emerger una nube negra que podría causar dolor a nuestros queridos protagonistas, y tememos por ellos, sufrimos por ellos, y vivimos la historia como si estuviéramos en sus mismas páginas.
Altamente recomendable. ❤
En esta historia logra meternos en ese ambiente rural e intimista, dulce y familiar. Llena de paz y aromas de campo, un lugar tan acogedor que llegamos a empatizar inmediatamente con los personajes y el ambiente creado para el desarrollo de la trama.
Lectura rápida y amena, en donde en medio de ese escenario rural vemos emerger una nube negra que podría causar dolor a nuestros queridos protagonistas, y tememos por ellos, sufrimos por ellos, y vivimos la historia como si estuviéramos en sus mismas páginas.
Altamente recomendable. ❤
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September 25, 2024Divendres presentem el llibre a la Setmana així que fins llavors opinió embargada!!! Si voleu saber què en penso veniu divendres a les 16h a la Setmana hehheheheh #spam
April 22, 2025
Un racconto lungo pubblicato dalla scrittrice inglese nel 1864, poco prima della sua morte. Scrittrice che incontro per la prima volta, di epoca vittoriana, di cui ho letto alcuni commenti molto positivi qui in Anobii e mi è venuta voglia di conoscerla.
Una storia breve, semplice, che mi ha fatto compagnia durante queste vacanze di Pasqua trascorse a Napoli.
E’ narrata in prima persona da Paul Manning, un diciannovenne di Birmingham che lavora nella costruzione delle ferrovie inglesi: la Rivoluzione industriale e’ il sottofondo, i fatti avvengono in un paesino della campagna inglese dove sta arrivando la ferrovia, ma ancora i ritmi della terra e le regole dell’agricoltura e dell’ allevamento hanno la meglio. Lì, a Heathbridge, vive la famiglia Holman, formata dal reverendo Holman, agricoltore e lavoratore instancabile, sua moglie e loro figlia Phillis. Il giovane Paul inizia a frequentare la famiglia Holman, cui lo lega un rapporto di parentela. Mentre condivide con loro i semplici ritmi di vita agreste, egli è testimone di un amore nascente, tra il suo capo e la cugina Phillis.
E’ lei il perno attorno cui ruota il racconto, è una donna di epoca vittoriana ma non ha nulla delle caratteristiche del suo mondo: è colta, conosce la letteratura, addirittura quella italiana, legge Dante in lingua originale! Che grossa pecca per una ragazza dell’epoca! Ma si può rimediare, basta farla diventare moglie e madre e subito quei grilli per la testa le svaniranno…. In compenso è docile, silenziosa, sensibile.
C’è ironia o, se vogliamo, un pizzico di humour inglese tra le righe, ma nel finale no, la nostra eroina si troverà costretta ad affrontare il nuovo mondo che sta avanzando che per lei sembra essere soltanto sofferenza, così come per la piccola società rurale inglese sembra essere molto difficile adattarsi ai nuovi ritmi. Alla fine però ho visto tra le righe un tentativo della giovane Phillis di adeguarsi alle trasformazioni in atto, il che fa ben sperare non solo per l’esito della storia ma anche per noi che oggi siamo nell’occhio del ciclone dello “tsunami” del cambiamento epocale e ci sentiamo disorientati e fragili come mai prima.
Un buon racconto, quindi posso congratularmi con me stessa per aver deciso di conoscere questa scrittrice.
Una storia breve, semplice, che mi ha fatto compagnia durante queste vacanze di Pasqua trascorse a Napoli.
E’ narrata in prima persona da Paul Manning, un diciannovenne di Birmingham che lavora nella costruzione delle ferrovie inglesi: la Rivoluzione industriale e’ il sottofondo, i fatti avvengono in un paesino della campagna inglese dove sta arrivando la ferrovia, ma ancora i ritmi della terra e le regole dell’agricoltura e dell’ allevamento hanno la meglio. Lì, a Heathbridge, vive la famiglia Holman, formata dal reverendo Holman, agricoltore e lavoratore instancabile, sua moglie e loro figlia Phillis. Il giovane Paul inizia a frequentare la famiglia Holman, cui lo lega un rapporto di parentela. Mentre condivide con loro i semplici ritmi di vita agreste, egli è testimone di un amore nascente, tra il suo capo e la cugina Phillis.
E’ lei il perno attorno cui ruota il racconto, è una donna di epoca vittoriana ma non ha nulla delle caratteristiche del suo mondo: è colta, conosce la letteratura, addirittura quella italiana, legge Dante in lingua originale! Che grossa pecca per una ragazza dell’epoca! Ma si può rimediare, basta farla diventare moglie e madre e subito quei grilli per la testa le svaniranno…. In compenso è docile, silenziosa, sensibile.
C’è ironia o, se vogliamo, un pizzico di humour inglese tra le righe, ma nel finale no, la nostra eroina si troverà costretta ad affrontare il nuovo mondo che sta avanzando che per lei sembra essere soltanto sofferenza, così come per la piccola società rurale inglese sembra essere molto difficile adattarsi ai nuovi ritmi. Alla fine però ho visto tra le righe un tentativo della giovane Phillis di adeguarsi alle trasformazioni in atto, il che fa ben sperare non solo per l’esito della storia ma anche per noi che oggi siamo nell’occhio del ciclone dello “tsunami” del cambiamento epocale e ci sentiamo disorientati e fragili come mai prima.
Un buon racconto, quindi posso congratularmi con me stessa per aver deciso di conoscere questa scrittrice.
June 3, 2018
A didactic story.
A lovely background (a countryside).
A charming heroine.
I liked it.
Nonetheless, I would have preferred a different narrator. I liked Paul but in my opinion, the story lost something because of his narration.
PS I have been listening from LibriVox. Elizabeth Klett read it really nicely.
A lovely background (a countryside).
A charming heroine.
I liked it.
Nonetheless, I would have preferred a different narrator. I liked Paul but in my opinion, the story lost something because of his narration.
PS I have been listening from LibriVox. Elizabeth Klett read it really nicely.
October 2, 2020
Cousin Phillis
Set in rural England in the mid nineteenth century, this is a tender story of young love and solid family values. It develops slowly but becomes quite heart wrenching. Very moving.
Set in rural England in the mid nineteenth century, this is a tender story of young love and solid family values. It develops slowly but becomes quite heart wrenching. Very moving.
August 24, 2020
(Some spoilers here.) At first I was dismayed that Phillis, with her curiosity and moral strength, would be devastated by love going wrong. But then, there is a lot to be said for the way Gaskell criticizes a society that would leave Phillis behind while Holdsworth travels abroad, reveals his feelings to a friend and not to her, and leaves her to hear about rather than from him. And then there is Gaskell's creation of a romance grounded, on Phillis's side at least, in her intellectual passions. I would have liked to hear more about these. The ending seemed to tumble out a little precipitously but it also offered a lively little spark of hope.
September 15, 2024
Gentle, beautiful, with a tinge of melancholy. A novella, I read last night when I couldn't sleep. Even though you knew where the story was going, it was still very compelling. Gaskell creates characters and environments which draw you in and won't let go. I did not want it to end.
July 21, 2021
Tengo que reconocer que creo que está pequeña novelita me ha gustado tanto porque es exactamente lo que buscaba y necesitaba: una lectura que estuviera escrita con cierta calidad literaria, pero fácil de leer; que no fuera muy larga, y que tuviera una historia sencillita y amable. Y si hay una autora en la que puedes encontrar todo esto es en Elizabeth Gaskell. No obstante, no oso quitarle méritos. La Gaskell es una escritora realmente inteligente y que sabe hacer. Es cierto que su prosa tiene un tufillo victoriano buenista y moralista que normalmente me saca un poco (muy poquito) de quicio, pero esta vez lo he llevado muy bien. Quizás porque, como he dicho antes, este es un tipo libro que necesitaba leer (más que apetecer). Quizás porque al ser una obra tan cortita, la autora no tiene tiempo para explayarse en esa cuestión tan característica suya.
El que tenga menos de doscientas páginas no es óbice para que esta novella cumpla y sea buena. Lo que es el argumento no da para mucho, pero rellena bien las páginas de esta novela corta. Además hay que reconocer que la autora lo maneja todo muy inteligentemente. Si hubiera caído en manos de otro escritor menos competente, la obra se habría convertido en un mero pastiche romántico sin ningún tipo de sustancia o gracia. El sentido del ritmo es impecable, el interés nunca se permite decaer o aburrir al lector. Gaskell va directa a lo que es realmente importante para la historia, sin andarse por las ramas o centrarse en aspectos superfluos, pero al mismo tiempo da espacio para que la trama se desarrolle a su ritmo, sin que el lector se sienta sobrepasado por lo que pasa o la información que recibe. Los personajes son muy muy dickesianos, vale, (es lo que hay, Dickens era el gran referente en la novela de ese entonces y fue esencial en trabajo de la propia Gaskell), pero en pocas líneas están nítida y coherentemente bien esbozados.
Pero quizás lo mejor de esta novellete sea la ambientación. Gaskell, como se vio en su libro más famoso, “Norte y Sur”, gusta de contraponer el mundo de la tecnología, la ciencia y la industria con el mundo rural, donde la tranquilidad de espíritu va de la mano con la naturaleza. Con su prosa impecable y su estilo sutil, Gaskell logra transportar al lector a la hacienda rural donde tienen lugar los principales acontecimientos de la novela, por medio de descripciones nítidas y líricas. Aboga por una existencia en que para llegar a la plenitud intelectual es necesario un estilo de vida sencillo y en contacto con la naturaleza, abogando por una existencia simple y laboriosa que bebe de las “Geórgicas” de Virgilio, obra que es citada muchas veces en esta historia. Esta parte es muy interesante, ya que tiene su punto de partida en la infancia de la autora en Chesire, época que, como se ve, influyó decisivamente en su vida adulta y en su trabajo.
El único pero que le puedo encontrar a esta novela corta es el final. Me ha parecido demasiado abrupto y abierto, teniendo en cuenta lo bien medido que están todos los elementos a lo largo y ancho de la misma eso me ha escamado un poco, por más que en la sinopsis de la edición que he manejado se ponga en relieve que este desenlace tan abierto es una de las características que hace especialmente interesante esta obrita.
En definitiva, estamos ante una obra rápida y fácil de leer, que se disfruta de principio a fin y que se lee con mucho gusto por lo sencilla que es y lo bien escrita que esta, con un argumento quizás un poco simple, pero que no hace sufrir especialmente al lector. Me ha dejado muy buen sabor de boca, y creo que también haga lo mismo con los amantes de la literatura victoriana y del trabajo de Elizabeth Gaskell
El que tenga menos de doscientas páginas no es óbice para que esta novella cumpla y sea buena. Lo que es el argumento no da para mucho, pero rellena bien las páginas de esta novela corta. Además hay que reconocer que la autora lo maneja todo muy inteligentemente. Si hubiera caído en manos de otro escritor menos competente, la obra se habría convertido en un mero pastiche romántico sin ningún tipo de sustancia o gracia. El sentido del ritmo es impecable, el interés nunca se permite decaer o aburrir al lector. Gaskell va directa a lo que es realmente importante para la historia, sin andarse por las ramas o centrarse en aspectos superfluos, pero al mismo tiempo da espacio para que la trama se desarrolle a su ritmo, sin que el lector se sienta sobrepasado por lo que pasa o la información que recibe. Los personajes son muy muy dickesianos, vale, (es lo que hay, Dickens era el gran referente en la novela de ese entonces y fue esencial en trabajo de la propia Gaskell), pero en pocas líneas están nítida y coherentemente bien esbozados.
Pero quizás lo mejor de esta novellete sea la ambientación. Gaskell, como se vio en su libro más famoso, “Norte y Sur”, gusta de contraponer el mundo de la tecnología, la ciencia y la industria con el mundo rural, donde la tranquilidad de espíritu va de la mano con la naturaleza. Con su prosa impecable y su estilo sutil, Gaskell logra transportar al lector a la hacienda rural donde tienen lugar los principales acontecimientos de la novela, por medio de descripciones nítidas y líricas. Aboga por una existencia en que para llegar a la plenitud intelectual es necesario un estilo de vida sencillo y en contacto con la naturaleza, abogando por una existencia simple y laboriosa que bebe de las “Geórgicas” de Virgilio, obra que es citada muchas veces en esta historia. Esta parte es muy interesante, ya que tiene su punto de partida en la infancia de la autora en Chesire, época que, como se ve, influyó decisivamente en su vida adulta y en su trabajo.
El único pero que le puedo encontrar a esta novela corta es el final. Me ha parecido demasiado abrupto y abierto, teniendo en cuenta lo bien medido que están todos los elementos a lo largo y ancho de la misma eso me ha escamado un poco, por más que en la sinopsis de la edición que he manejado se ponga en relieve que este desenlace tan abierto es una de las características que hace especialmente interesante esta obrita.
En definitiva, estamos ante una obra rápida y fácil de leer, que se disfruta de principio a fin y que se lee con mucho gusto por lo sencilla que es y lo bien escrita que esta, con un argumento quizás un poco simple, pero que no hace sufrir especialmente al lector. Me ha dejado muy buen sabor de boca, y creo que también haga lo mismo con los amantes de la literatura victoriana y del trabajo de Elizabeth Gaskell
September 21, 2020
Cuando leí la sinopsis de "La prima Phillis" no sabía qué esperar, a pesar de que confío plenamente en Elizabeth Gaskell, autora inglesa reconocida por "Norte y sur". Encontré una historia preciosa sobre un joven que decide visitar a unos parientes porque el trabajo "lo deja cerca" y descubre que la vida en el campo tiene su encanto. Sin embargo, su prima Phillis se lleva casi toda la atención de la novela.
Gaskell es una autora exquisita. Es así. Balancea las descripciones, las reflexiones, los diálogos y la acción de una forma envidiable. Eso hace que sea imposible (o casi, porque siempre hay alguien) aburrirse o sentir que está deteniendo el libro. El narrador es Paul, el protagonista, y su mirada atenta hacia su prima lo corre a un costado de la acción en algunos momentos.
Prácticamente devoré el libro y la historia que cuenta (como ya imaginarán, algo de amor implica, pero no puedo decir entre quiénes) es muy bonita. Me movió mucho a pensar en las expectativas altas que ponemos en personas cuyo comportamiento predice su próximo paso. Eso es lo que me sucedió con un personaje de este libro: intuí cómo iba a terminar.
Ahora quiero volver a Phillis y su entorno. Ella es una joven que está acostumbrada a las tareas de la granja y cuyo padre, que es pastor, la educa de la mejor forma posible. Lee mucho y no teme manifestar sus dudas o su falta de conocimiento. Ella se me hizo una protagonista muy querible y muy temeraria, que confía y calla demasiado.
El punto de quiebre de la novela se hace esperrar y aseguro que vale la pena esperarlo. Me gustan los finales abiertos pero en este caso me había enganchado tanto con la historia de Phillis que quise unas páginas más. Aún así, me quedo satisfecha con ese cierre.
⠀
Gaskell es una autora exquisita. Es así. Balancea las descripciones, las reflexiones, los diálogos y la acción de una forma envidiable. Eso hace que sea imposible (o casi, porque siempre hay alguien) aburrirse o sentir que está deteniendo el libro. El narrador es Paul, el protagonista, y su mirada atenta hacia su prima lo corre a un costado de la acción en algunos momentos.
Prácticamente devoré el libro y la historia que cuenta (como ya imaginarán, algo de amor implica, pero no puedo decir entre quiénes) es muy bonita. Me movió mucho a pensar en las expectativas altas que ponemos en personas cuyo comportamiento predice su próximo paso. Eso es lo que me sucedió con un personaje de este libro: intuí cómo iba a terminar.
Ahora quiero volver a Phillis y su entorno. Ella es una joven que está acostumbrada a las tareas de la granja y cuyo padre, que es pastor, la educa de la mejor forma posible. Lee mucho y no teme manifestar sus dudas o su falta de conocimiento. Ella se me hizo una protagonista muy querible y muy temeraria, que confía y calla demasiado.
El punto de quiebre de la novela se hace esperrar y aseguro que vale la pena esperarlo. Me gustan los finales abiertos pero en este caso me había enganchado tanto con la historia de Phillis que quise unas páginas más. Aún así, me quedo satisfecha con ese cierre.
⠀
July 14, 2019
The first part of this short novel is a sweet story about a naive young woman who all the menfolks agree is pretty but a little too brainy to make an attractive mate. After all, what man wants a wife who is better read, knows more languages, and asks business, engineering, and farming questions? Plus is half a head taller? If this sounds like a modern day bodice-ripper, never fear. Phillis is not a feisty 21st century heroine improbably crammed into a Victorian setting. This is an actual Victorian novel and Phillis is sweet and modest and passive, and the man of her dreams does fall in love with her a little, but she's still just a forgettable pretty country mouse.
The second part of the novel? Meh. It follows the formula, then it... just stops. I'm not sure if this is an unfinished novel, or if Gaskell just ran out of steam and decided to tack on a "The End" when she was ready to move on to her next writing project, but I did double check to be sure that there wasn't a missing section that I didn't download.
Audiobook, via Librivox, which is a free service where volunteer/amateur readers narrate public domain stories from Project Gutenberg. The reader for this one, Elizabeth Klett, does a really good job with it - as good as some of the professional narrators I've heard from books that I actually paid for.
The second part of the novel? Meh. It follows the formula, then it... just stops. I'm not sure if this is an unfinished novel, or if Gaskell just ran out of steam and decided to tack on a "The End" when she was ready to move on to her next writing project, but I did double check to be sure that there wasn't a missing section that I didn't download.
Audiobook, via Librivox, which is a free service where volunteer/amateur readers narrate public domain stories from Project Gutenberg. The reader for this one, Elizabeth Klett, does a really good job with it - as good as some of the professional narrators I've heard from books that I actually paid for.
March 12, 2020
La prima Phillis fue una de las últimas novelas de Gaskell y es una lección sobre cómo escribir una novela breve en su longitud pero profunda en su contenido. El escenario es prácticamente uno y los personajes relevantes se cuentan con los dedos de una mano, pero esa engañosa sencillez posibilita a Gaskell brillar en lo que realmente importa: el maravilloso ejercicio estilístico con en el que desnuda la contención emocional de sus personajes, cuya tranquila y ceremoniosa vida rural esconde un mundo de pasiones.
La novela es ideal para esos lectores que busquen un clásico escrito con lirismo, elegancia y sabiduría. Gaskell logra en La prima Phillis una obra sobre la no-acción, las decisiones que no se toman y la fragilidad del alma humana ante los sentimientos que no se comparten y terminan enquistándose. Es un tópico pero no por ello deja de ser cierto: es una novela en la que parece que nada pasa, pero todo ocurre. La vida.
Quizás no se encuentre entre las mejores obras de la autora, pero el libro es ideal para descubrir su exquisito talento literario. Una excelente carta de presentación que te invitará a leer más de ella.
La novela es ideal para esos lectores que busquen un clásico escrito con lirismo, elegancia y sabiduría. Gaskell logra en La prima Phillis una obra sobre la no-acción, las decisiones que no se toman y la fragilidad del alma humana ante los sentimientos que no se comparten y terminan enquistándose. Es un tópico pero no por ello deja de ser cierto: es una novela en la que parece que nada pasa, pero todo ocurre. La vida.
Quizás no se encuentre entre las mejores obras de la autora, pero el libro es ideal para descubrir su exquisito talento literario. Una excelente carta de presentación que te invitará a leer más de ella.
August 18, 2013
Sono sempre un po' prevenuta nei confronti dei racconti o romanzi brevi. In questo caso ho dovuto ricredermi. Questo racconto, di (ahimè quasi sconosciuta in Italia) Elizabeth Gaskell, si è rivelato una lettura molto bella e coinvolgente. Avrei voluto che si trattasse di un romanzo molto più lungo.
Il libro narra la vicenda di Phillis, la protagonista del racconto, dal punto di vista di suo cugino Paul.
Scrittura impeccabile, personaggi ben caratterizzati, storia d'amore sfortunata, bellissime descrizioni del mondo rurale, il tranquillo scorrere della vita di campagna, grande coinvolgimento emotivo, sono gli ingredienti che costituiscono questo bellissimo racconto.
Il libro narra la vicenda di Phillis, la protagonista del racconto, dal punto di vista di suo cugino Paul.
Scrittura impeccabile, personaggi ben caratterizzati, storia d'amore sfortunata, bellissime descrizioni del mondo rurale, il tranquillo scorrere della vita di campagna, grande coinvolgimento emotivo, sono gli ingredienti che costituiscono questo bellissimo racconto.
February 25, 2021
This was a short and sweet story about how heart breaking can teenage love turn out. Phillis is a plain farm girl, the minister's only child. She is only 17 but when she falls in love with a certain gentleman, she falls so hard that when her hopes are shattered she nearly dies for love. This coming of age story is told in such a simple manner, that the reader can't help but sympathize with Phillis and her broken heart. Kenneth Branagh's audiobook narration made the book even better. Deep, articulate, masterful. His contribution to the book was superb! 4 bright stars from me and one more for mr Branagh ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
April 29, 2011
This is a brilliantly crafted character-study of Phillis, young farm-girl yet curious and a bit of a scholar, in her late teen's in rural England (circa 1850s). Her father is a good man, an outgoing farmer/minister, disciplined, hardworking, with a sincere and indomitable faith in God, yet not over-the-top. His wife idolizes him. They both dote on their daughter and at the same time somewhat take her for granted. She is sensitive and the narrative depicts her feelings and experiences as she blossoms from a girl into a young woman. The story is told through the eyes of Paul Manning, a distant relative (cousin to Phillis' mother), two years older than Phillis. He is an assistant to the man (mid twenties) charged with building a railway through a part of England where Phillis and her family live. Being a relative, Paul visits the family often and they become close. The novel portrays life in rural England during the mid 19th century. It has great flavor. Mainly, it is a character-study. Gaskell has a simple, yet brilliant literary style, akin to other English luminaries of her age. It is a very moving story and I highly recommend the book.
August 16, 2016
Well sadly it didn't live up to the synopsis for me. The writing is smooth enough, despite the naturally old-fashioned style, however the story..... well what story? Really this just boils down to a rather over-romanticised, bucolic description of life in the English countryside in the mid-eighteenth century. All the men are fine, upstanding examples of humanity, with one minor exception - and even he is described as a 'good man'. The women of course, are all gentle, kind, industrious and dutiful! :D
I imagine it's the type of book that its target Victorian audience would have lapped up. However I felt it fell far short of some of her other work, such as North & South, Cranford and Wives & Daughters.
I imagine it's the type of book that its target Victorian audience would have lapped up. However I felt it fell far short of some of her other work, such as North & South, Cranford and Wives & Daughters.
October 25, 2018
2.5 Stars.
Although this wasn't a bad story, it felt longwinded and considering there wasn't much plot overall, that seemed a little needless. I liked Gaskell's writing - this is the first of her work that I've read -, but something about it was slowing my reading down significantly and I can't pinpoint what exactly that was. All in all, this was an okay read, not overly special. As I find Phillis to be a rather cold and distant character, it was hard to feel any kind of sympathy for her and the situation she ends, quite foreseeably, up in. I'm really hoping I'll find more enjoyment in Gaskell's novels.
Although this wasn't a bad story, it felt longwinded and considering there wasn't much plot overall, that seemed a little needless. I liked Gaskell's writing - this is the first of her work that I've read -, but something about it was slowing my reading down significantly and I can't pinpoint what exactly that was. All in all, this was an okay read, not overly special. As I find Phillis to be a rather cold and distant character, it was hard to feel any kind of sympathy for her and the situation she ends, quite foreseeably, up in. I'm really hoping I'll find more enjoyment in Gaskell's novels.
March 2, 2025
This is a late period novella of author Elizabeth Gaskell, published in four parts in The Cornhill magazine between 1863 and 1864, the year before her untimely death at age 55.
The story is told by 17 year old Paul Manning who, as arranged by Paul’s inventor father, moves to the country town of Eltham to work with railway engineer Edward Hodgeworth on a railway line from Eltham to Hornby. While working with Hodgeworth, who Paul comes to greatly admire, the then 19 year-old Paul begins a series of visits to Hornby to see his mother’s relatives; her second cousin, Phillis Green Holman, her husband Ebenezer Holman, the Independent minister of Hornby, and their daughter Phillis Holman, the titled character. Cousin Phillis is a tall, confident and intelligent 17 year old and Paul and her develop a close relationship. The nature of that relationship is the subject of great speculation by Paul’s father, Paul’s mentor Hodgeworth and others. Soon the curious Hodgeworth starts accompanying Paul on the visits to the Holmans.
The rest of the story does not go as I had anticipated it would go. However, even though the developments unravel in a slightly surprising way, they were sufficiently forecast and were logical.
Overall, the book’s plotting and characterization were well done until an overly melodramatic event in the fourth part. Fortunately, the melodrama was not fatal as the story resolution itself was satisfactory. Still, the fourth part melodrama made this possible 4 star story a 3.3 star rounded down to 3 star story.
My Ratings of Gaskell’s Works
Novels/Novellas
1. North and South - 4 stars
2. Wives and Daughters - 4 stars
3. Ruth - 4 stars
4. Cousin Phillis – 3 stars
4. Sylvia's Lovers - 3 stars
6. Mary Barton - 3 stars
7. My Lady Ludlow – 3 stars
7. Cranford - 3 stars
9. Mr. Harrison's Confessions - 3 stars
Short Stories
1. The Grey Woman - 4 stars
2. The Old Nurse's Story - 3 stars
The story is told by 17 year old Paul Manning who, as arranged by Paul’s inventor father, moves to the country town of Eltham to work with railway engineer Edward Hodgeworth on a railway line from Eltham to Hornby. While working with Hodgeworth, who Paul comes to greatly admire, the then 19 year-old Paul begins a series of visits to Hornby to see his mother’s relatives; her second cousin, Phillis Green Holman, her husband Ebenezer Holman, the Independent minister of Hornby, and their daughter Phillis Holman, the titled character. Cousin Phillis is a tall, confident and intelligent 17 year old and Paul and her develop a close relationship. The nature of that relationship is the subject of great speculation by Paul’s father, Paul’s mentor Hodgeworth and others. Soon the curious Hodgeworth starts accompanying Paul on the visits to the Holmans.
The rest of the story does not go as I had anticipated it would go. However, even though the developments unravel in a slightly surprising way, they were sufficiently forecast and were logical.
Overall, the book’s plotting and characterization were well done until an overly melodramatic event in the fourth part. Fortunately, the melodrama was not fatal as the story resolution itself was satisfactory. Still, the fourth part melodrama made this possible 4 star story a 3.3 star rounded down to 3 star story.
My Ratings of Gaskell’s Works
Novels/Novellas
1. North and South - 4 stars
2. Wives and Daughters - 4 stars
3. Ruth - 4 stars
4. Cousin Phillis – 3 stars
4. Sylvia's Lovers - 3 stars
6. Mary Barton - 3 stars
7. My Lady Ludlow – 3 stars
7. Cranford - 3 stars
9. Mr. Harrison's Confessions - 3 stars
Short Stories
1. The Grey Woman - 4 stars
2. The Old Nurse's Story - 3 stars
March 16, 2020
Aunque al principio me pareció una novela costumbrista sin mucha chicha al final se convirtió en un drama de los que me gustan. El ritmo es algo lento pero al ser una novela cortita se lee muy rápidamente.
La llegada del ferrocarril a Inglaterra y la revolución industrial serán el telón de fondo de una particular historia de amor. Por cierto, no me pareció ñoña.
La llegada del ferrocarril a Inglaterra y la revolución industrial serán el telón de fondo de una particular historia de amor. Por cierto, no me pareció ñoña.
October 2, 2016
¡Ay prima Phillis! Libro encantador, una sorpresa maravillosa.
La pluma de Elizabeth Gaskell hizo lo suyo y me sorprendió, tiene la esencia de "Hijas y Esposas" y "La casa del páramo", una historia que no es completamente de amor, más bien muestra la vida cotidiana de una familia de campo, rodeada de la sencillez y tranquilidad de la lejanía de las urbes.
Cada personaje plasmado en este historia es interesante e importante. Tanto Paul como Phillis son excelentes protagonistas y lo que al principio se presenta como una posible relación amorosa, se convierte en un compañerismo fortalecido por las penurias y esperanzas que viven en la novela. Un pastor, una ama de casa, una joven culta, un joven que se va abriendo camino a la vida, un señor inventor, un trabajador despistado, todos funcionan en armonía.
Me encantó la historia, debo de confesar que el estilo de Gaskell me encanta, me transporta a otra época, donde las cosas son diferentes y a la vez similares. Las personas no cambian. El final ha sido de los mejores que he leído. Para mí, es de las mejores novelas cortas que he leído de Gaskell, posicionándose como una de mis autoras preferidas.
La pluma de Elizabeth Gaskell hizo lo suyo y me sorprendió, tiene la esencia de "Hijas y Esposas" y "La casa del páramo", una historia que no es completamente de amor, más bien muestra la vida cotidiana de una familia de campo, rodeada de la sencillez y tranquilidad de la lejanía de las urbes.
Cada personaje plasmado en este historia es interesante e importante. Tanto Paul como Phillis son excelentes protagonistas y lo que al principio se presenta como una posible relación amorosa, se convierte en un compañerismo fortalecido por las penurias y esperanzas que viven en la novela. Un pastor, una ama de casa, una joven culta, un joven que se va abriendo camino a la vida, un señor inventor, un trabajador despistado, todos funcionan en armonía.
Me encantó la historia, debo de confesar que el estilo de Gaskell me encanta, me transporta a otra época, donde las cosas son diferentes y a la vez similares. Las personas no cambian. El final ha sido de los mejores que he leído. Para mí, es de las mejores novelas cortas que he leído de Gaskell, posicionándose como una de mis autoras preferidas.
June 8, 2020
I listened to the audio book of this while doing another activity and I kept thinking to myself "when is anything going to happen?" I was kind of just going along with this slice of rural English life during the Victorian era and I was sort of surprised when it ended.
Reading other people's reviews though I sort of feel like Gaskell wrote this mainly to flex how good she was at writing, which, good for her. There were parts that did make me laugh or gasp like when the narrator says he was embarrassed that his female cousin was taller than him. Also, when he talked about how he couldn't marry her because she was so much more clever and well read and his father assures him that she'll forget all about books once she has a house full of children (mild spoiler: they don't marry each other).
I probably wouldn't have liked this if I had read it as a physical copy, but now I'm intrigued to read/listen to more of her work.
Reading other people's reviews though I sort of feel like Gaskell wrote this mainly to flex how good she was at writing, which, good for her. There were parts that did make me laugh or gasp like when the narrator says he was embarrassed that his female cousin was taller than him. Also, when he talked about how he couldn't marry her because she was so much more clever and well read and his father assures him that she'll forget all about books once she has a house full of children (mild spoiler: they don't marry each other).
I probably wouldn't have liked this if I had read it as a physical copy, but now I'm intrigued to read/listen to more of her work.
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