Round the Sofa

Step into the enchanting world of Round the Sofa, a collection of captivating tales by the remarkable Mrs. Elizabeth Gaskell, whom Charles Dickens affectionately dubbed his “dear Scheherazade” for her extraordinary storytelling prowess. This 1859 work begins with a delightful short story that serves as a frame for six previously published narratives, all woven together through the interactions of a group of characters sharing their stories during a cozy soirée. Discover the compelling plight of Lady Ludlow, a widowed aristocrat fiercely resisting change, as seen through the eyes of one of her young companions. Delve into An Accursed Race, an insightful essay on the persecuted Cagots of Western France, and experience the chilling Gothic tale of The Doom of the Griffiths, set against the haunting backdrop of Wales. Journey to the serene Wiltshire Dales with Half a Life-Time Ago, and confront the spectral in The Poor Clare. Finally, feel the heartache of brotherly love in The Half Brother