Reviews

Sylvia's Lovers Illustrated by Elizabeth Gaskell

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monazaneefer's review against another edition

4.0

(Edit: After some thought, I'm giving this a tentative 4.)

Maybe 3.5 stars? But something tells me that I may drop this rating to 3 stars down the line...or up it to 4. I think it's because of Philip Hepburn that I'd rather give this novel a 4 star rating as I enjoyed reading about him.

Firstly, what a bad title. It's very off-putting. And it should have just been named Philip by Elizabeth Gaskell.

As for the story, I was so immersed in it. Even when, somewhere in the middle, it did become a bit of a drag, the novel sensed that the pace had to be picked up, and so it did. But while reading it, despite my liking for the story, I tried to pinpoint why I'd not be convinced on giving this 5 stars. And I think it had to do with the core conflict of the novel. Although the plot was engaging and moving,

Spoiler

the conflict of Philip trying to win over Sylvia and Kinraid coming in the way or something coming in the way, lingered from start to end in such a stagnant fashion. Yes, the conflict developed, but its essence didn't alter and felt so drawn out that it was becoming wearisome. Especially to look at it from Philip's view - Gaskell didn't give the guy a break!

That's why I honestly think the ending ruins it for me and is why I'm even hesitant about giving this at least 4 stars. It wasn't the right solution/ending for such a worn-out conflict. Should have just let Philip live.

I found this review on Wiki which I totally agree with: 'John McVeagh has pointed to a "sudden lapse into melodrama" which "reduces and cheapens an interesting story'.

Gaskell's writing
This was my first Gaskell novel and I do enjoy her writing. Although this particular book had strong dialect which took me sometime to get used to, Gaskell's writing in of itself is very accessible to understand. However, in comparison to her contemporaries, I don't think her characterisation or writing is as brilliant. Not to say her characterisation is poor or anything - far from it - but speaking in terms of craft alone, her characters aren't as multi-dimensional or nuanced as, for example, Eliot's or Hardy's.

This is not at all a negative from Gaskell's novel but only an observation. I don't depend on extremely nuanced characters to like the story (because hello Mill on the Floss - such intricate characters for a book I'd rather throw in the fire), but just a side note from a writing perspective on differences in masterful characterisation. It's an individual element I appreciate on its own. The only character that would be the exception is Philip here. To an extent though. He wasn't multifaceted but he was thoroughly fleshed-out; we got inside his head and psyche. I really like him as a character!

Spoiler

I hated how Sylvia treated him after their marriage.

Edit: I realise that, although I say Philip was fleshed out and we got inside his head, that did peter out in the last quarter of the novel. I read somewhere that some felt the story rushed in the end, and it does ring true when I remember that Philip’s thoughts weren’t as elaborate towards the end. What shame.

etherlea's review against another edition

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emotional sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

colorfulleo92's review against another edition

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2.0

2.5 stars. I've enjoyed Elizabeth Gaskell before but just could get into any joy reading this. This was very much one of those classics I found a tad bit dusty at times and Phillip was an huge asshole. I'm glad I've read it but not something I think I'll rush to reread.

tmickey's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

4.75

rcsreads's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional sad slow-paced

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

4.0

Sylvia has two lovers, a sexy seaman called Charley and her cousin Philip who is a total A-hole.
This one takes a while to get going and there is an unreasonable amount of whaling chat in the 1st half, although I did enjoy Sylvia's dad bragging about how he rode a whale in his youth. My man Napoleon is lurking in the backdrop and the press gang cause Sylvia no end of trouble with her men. Once it gets going there's all kinds of unbelievable coincidences and heartbreak and then, having made you hate Philip, Gaskell tries to redeem him. Sylvia may have forgiven him in the end but I never will!
Not Gaskell's best but I did enjoy it, it made me cry, and for being over 400 pages I got through it pretty quick.