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Elizabeth Gaskell - Round The Sofa: "A little credulity helps one on through life very smoothly."
Round the Sofa is the title of a two-volume collection of short stories by the famous nineteenth-century English novelist and writer Elizabeth Gaskell. It includes “My Lady Ludlow,” “The Half-Brothers” and “An Accursed Race.” The latter is in the form of a historical essay that condemns the racism and the persecution exercised on a group of people named the Cagots in the west of France. “Round the Sofa” is also the title of the first short story of the collection. Narrated in the first person, “Round the Sofa” takes the form of a preface to the longer “My Lady Ludlow.” The young female narrator is ill and is sent to live near the house of her doctor, Mr. Dawson. After a number of visits, the narrator befriends Mrs. Dawson and expresses her true love for her: “But that Mrs. Dawson! The mention of her comes into my mind like the bright sunshine into our dingy little room came on those days; -- as a sweet scent of violets greets the sorrowful passer among the woodlands.” It is Mrs. Dawson who, after long instance from the narrator, will tell the story of Lady Ludlow, the widowed Countess of Hanbury.
106 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1859
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About the author
Elizabeth Gaskell
1,155 books3,790 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 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 14, 2015
Round the Sofa is not really a story. It is a vehicle to contain short stories. The narrator is invited to the home of a sickly invalid for weekly gatherings where each person in the circle takes turns telling a story.
The first short story is "My Lady Ludlow" which I'd already read, but listening to it here gives context to who the narrator is and helps to give context to the story.
The next story is "An Accursed Race" which is really and academic history of a persecuted people called the Cagots. I have no idea who these people are and still don't after reading this story except that they lived in Europe and were ill treated in similar ways to Jews or other minorities.
The third story is "The Doom of the Griffiths". A curse follows that Griffiths family in which the son of the 8th generation is supposed to kill his father. The way in which the curse is realized is well told.
The fourth story is "Half a Life-Time Ago" is the story of Susan who in her youth has a chance for love, but must give it up to care for her family. She ends up old and lonely, but has amassed riches which ultimately bless others.
The fifth story is "The Poor Clare" which tells the story of a supposed witch. The narrator discovers her history and the origin of a curse she places. The story explores how bitterness can canker our soul, but forgiveness can liberate.
The final story is "The Half-Brothers" tells of two brothers - one who is loved and spoiled and the other who is misunderstood and poorly treated. It tells of an act of selfless love.
Overall, I enjoyed the stories. Some are better than others, but Gaskell proves that she is incredible at writing characters who are believable and situations that tug at one's emotions.
The first short story is "My Lady Ludlow" which I'd already read, but listening to it here gives context to who the narrator is and helps to give context to the story.
The next story is "An Accursed Race" which is really and academic history of a persecuted people called the Cagots. I have no idea who these people are and still don't after reading this story except that they lived in Europe and were ill treated in similar ways to Jews or other minorities.
The third story is "The Doom of the Griffiths". A curse follows that Griffiths family in which the son of the 8th generation is supposed to kill his father. The way in which the curse is realized is well told.
The fourth story is "Half a Life-Time Ago" is the story of Susan who in her youth has a chance for love, but must give it up to care for her family. She ends up old and lonely, but has amassed riches which ultimately bless others.
The fifth story is "The Poor Clare" which tells the story of a supposed witch. The narrator discovers her history and the origin of a curse she places. The story explores how bitterness can canker our soul, but forgiveness can liberate.
The final story is "The Half-Brothers" tells of two brothers - one who is loved and spoiled and the other who is misunderstood and poorly treated. It tells of an act of selfless love.
Overall, I enjoyed the stories. Some are better than others, but Gaskell proves that she is incredible at writing characters who are believable and situations that tug at one's emotions.
December 15, 2023
I enjoyed these stories, but I would have liked to know more about the original characters too.
March 3, 2011
This book contains some of my favorite Elizabeth Gaskell short stories: "Half A Life-Time Ago," "The Doom of the Griffiths," "The Poor Clare," and "The Half-Brothers." "The Accursed Race" is unique in that it is not fiction, although the history of the Cagot is so incredible I was compelled to Google them for more information.
I was also enthralled by the part of "My Lady Ludlow" that recounted the French aristocratic man who was caught up in the French Revolution. I was nearly brought to tears.
The stories in this book illustrate why Mrs. Gaskell is one of my favorite authors.
One interesting fact: Lassie is the name of Gregory's collie who ran home for to get help for the half-brothers lost in a snow storm in "The Half-Brothers" (1859).
I was also enthralled by the part of "My Lady Ludlow" that recounted the French aristocratic man who was caught up in the French Revolution. I was nearly brought to tears.
The stories in this book illustrate why Mrs. Gaskell is one of my favorite authors.
One interesting fact: Lassie is the name of Gregory's collie who ran home for to get help for the half-brothers lost in a snow storm in "The Half-Brothers" (1859).
November 8, 2019
This book greatly increased my respect for Elizabeth Gaskell.
Her knowledge of history is incredible.
Her consistently compassionate treatment of the all her characters pleased me. She emphasizes the humanity of refugees, invalids, the impoverished, illiterate, ne'er do wells, the mentally ill, the abused, the abuser, witches, Catholics, and bigots. I was most impressed by the character development of the respectable, set-in-her-ways, old-fashioned bigot.
The story-telling, if not page-turning, is clear and calming. That being said, the number of violent injuries and deaths in this book of 5 short stories is shocking.
Her knowledge of history is incredible.
Her consistently compassionate treatment of the all her characters pleased me. She emphasizes the humanity of refugees, invalids, the impoverished, illiterate, ne'er do wells, the mentally ill, the abused, the abuser, witches, Catholics, and bigots. I was most impressed by the character development of the respectable, set-in-her-ways, old-fashioned bigot.
The story-telling, if not page-turning, is clear and calming. That being said, the number of violent injuries and deaths in this book of 5 short stories is shocking.
August 31, 2013
Not Gaskell's best, but there are some really good stories in here. The solo Librivox recording is well read and easy to listen to.
October 21, 2021
I cried
January 22, 2023
The best writer.
February 20, 2016
„Round the Sofa“ ist eigentlich nur eine Rahmenerzählung, um einige bereits vorher veröffentlichte Kurzgeschichten von Gaskell zu bündeln und in Buchform erneut zu veröffentlichen.
1. Frame Tale: Round the Sofa
Eine nicht näher benannte Ich-Erzählerin (autodiegetic narrator, internal focaliser) wird aufgrund einer Krankheit mit ihrer Gouvernante nach Edinburgh geschickt, damit sie dort bei einem Arzt namens Mr. Dawson, der sich mit ihrer Krankheit auskennt, logiert. In der Zeit soll sie auch Unterricht nehmen, um ihre Ausbildung zu vervollkommnen „I was to combine lessons from the excellent Edinburgh masters, with the medicines and exercises needed for my indisposition.“
Die Erzählerin erhält die Gelegenheit an montäglichen Versammlungen von Mrs. Dawson, Mr. Dawsons Schwester, teilzunehmen, die eine Invalidin ist. Montags kommt bei ihr daher eine intellektuelle Gesellschaft zusammen, um intelligente Gespräche zu führen oder sich lehrreiche Geschichten zu erzählen.
2. My Lady Ludlow
Im Laufe mehrerer Abende erzählen die Gäste von Mrs. Dawson eine Geschichte. Mrs Dawson macht den Anfang und erzählt von ihrer Jugend und Lady Ludlow.
My Lady Ludlow wurde bereits separat veröffentlicht, eingebettet in diese Rahmengeschichte bekommt sie aber eine deutlich tiefere Dimension, denn die Geschwister, die die Erzählerin in „My Lady Ludlow“ nur erwähnt und die keine wirkliche Rolle in der Kurzgeschichte spielen, sind Protagonisten der Rahmenhandlung. Mrs. Dawson hat 7 Geschwister und zwei davon, zwei Brüder, lernt der Leser in dieser Rahmengeschichte näher kennen. Den geizigen Arzt, bei dem die Erzählerin der Rahmenhandlung lebt und den Bruder, bei dem Mrs. Dawson lebt. Man erfährt auch in der Novella, wie sie zu ihrer Behinderung kam.
3. An Accursed Race
Diesen Essay erzählt/liest Mr. Dawson vor, der Bruder, bei dem Mrs. Dawson lebt. Man erfährt also mehr über den Character dieses Bruders, der ein Gelehrter ist und gerne Essays schreibt. Diesen Essay hatte er für die Philosophical Society vorgesehen.
4. The Doom of the Griffiths
Diese Geschichte erzählt die Gouvernante der Ich-Erzählerin, eine Miss Duncan. Sie hat diese Geschichte wohl selber geschrieben, ihr erster Versuch eine Geschichte zu schreiben, und diese „poor grave Miss Duncan“ scheint eine tragisch, romantische Ader zu haben.
5. Half a Life-Time Ago
Mrs. Preston, die Frau des Erzählers der Geschichte „The Half Brothers“ erzählt diese Geschichte. Sie kannte wohl Susan Dixon oder hatte von ihr gehört.
6. The Poor Clare
Diese Geschichte wird von einem gewissen Signor Sperano erzählt.
7. The Half-Brothers
Erzählt die Geschichte von Mr. Prestons Halbbruder.
Diese Rahmenhandlung ist insofern besonders, weil sie die Bedeutung der Geschichten teilweise erhöht. In den Geschichten erfährt man mehr über die Gäste dieser montaglichen Treffen, die zwar namentlich erwähnt werden, aber nie beschrieben oder charakterisiert werden. Die Geschichten dienen dazu, die Gäste zu charakterisieren und ihnen mehr Tiefe zu geben. Besonders „My Lady Ludlow“ gewinnt dadurch, da die Erzählerin auch eine der Hauptfiguren der Rahmenhandlung ist und „My Lady Ludlow“ dadurch noch geschachtelter wirkt bezüglich der Erzählebenen, als die Geschichte an sich bereits ist. Am meisten jedoch gewinnt die Gouvernante, die wohl doch nicht so langweilig ist, wie sie zunächst von der Erzählerin der Rahmenhandlung beschrieben wird, sondern sich in der Tiefe ihres Herzens wohl nach Liebe und Romantik sehnt, selbst wenn es tragisch enden sollte.
1. Frame Tale: Round the Sofa
Eine nicht näher benannte Ich-Erzählerin (autodiegetic narrator, internal focaliser) wird aufgrund einer Krankheit mit ihrer Gouvernante nach Edinburgh geschickt, damit sie dort bei einem Arzt namens Mr. Dawson, der sich mit ihrer Krankheit auskennt, logiert. In der Zeit soll sie auch Unterricht nehmen, um ihre Ausbildung zu vervollkommnen „I was to combine lessons from the excellent Edinburgh masters, with the medicines and exercises needed for my indisposition.“
Die Erzählerin erhält die Gelegenheit an montäglichen Versammlungen von Mrs. Dawson, Mr. Dawsons Schwester, teilzunehmen, die eine Invalidin ist. Montags kommt bei ihr daher eine intellektuelle Gesellschaft zusammen, um intelligente Gespräche zu führen oder sich lehrreiche Geschichten zu erzählen.
2. My Lady Ludlow
Im Laufe mehrerer Abende erzählen die Gäste von Mrs. Dawson eine Geschichte. Mrs Dawson macht den Anfang und erzählt von ihrer Jugend und Lady Ludlow.
My Lady Ludlow wurde bereits separat veröffentlicht, eingebettet in diese Rahmengeschichte bekommt sie aber eine deutlich tiefere Dimension, denn die Geschwister, die die Erzählerin in „My Lady Ludlow“ nur erwähnt und die keine wirkliche Rolle in der Kurzgeschichte spielen, sind Protagonisten der Rahmenhandlung. Mrs. Dawson hat 7 Geschwister und zwei davon, zwei Brüder, lernt der Leser in dieser Rahmengeschichte näher kennen. Den geizigen Arzt, bei dem die Erzählerin der Rahmenhandlung lebt und den Bruder, bei dem Mrs. Dawson lebt. Man erfährt auch in der Novella, wie sie zu ihrer Behinderung kam.
3. An Accursed Race
Diesen Essay erzählt/liest Mr. Dawson vor, der Bruder, bei dem Mrs. Dawson lebt. Man erfährt also mehr über den Character dieses Bruders, der ein Gelehrter ist und gerne Essays schreibt. Diesen Essay hatte er für die Philosophical Society vorgesehen.
4. The Doom of the Griffiths
Diese Geschichte erzählt die Gouvernante der Ich-Erzählerin, eine Miss Duncan. Sie hat diese Geschichte wohl selber geschrieben, ihr erster Versuch eine Geschichte zu schreiben, und diese „poor grave Miss Duncan“ scheint eine tragisch, romantische Ader zu haben.
5. Half a Life-Time Ago
Mrs. Preston, die Frau des Erzählers der Geschichte „The Half Brothers“ erzählt diese Geschichte. Sie kannte wohl Susan Dixon oder hatte von ihr gehört.
6. The Poor Clare
Diese Geschichte wird von einem gewissen Signor Sperano erzählt.
7. The Half-Brothers
Erzählt die Geschichte von Mr. Prestons Halbbruder.
Diese Rahmenhandlung ist insofern besonders, weil sie die Bedeutung der Geschichten teilweise erhöht. In den Geschichten erfährt man mehr über die Gäste dieser montaglichen Treffen, die zwar namentlich erwähnt werden, aber nie beschrieben oder charakterisiert werden. Die Geschichten dienen dazu, die Gäste zu charakterisieren und ihnen mehr Tiefe zu geben. Besonders „My Lady Ludlow“ gewinnt dadurch, da die Erzählerin auch eine der Hauptfiguren der Rahmenhandlung ist und „My Lady Ludlow“ dadurch noch geschachtelter wirkt bezüglich der Erzählebenen, als die Geschichte an sich bereits ist. Am meisten jedoch gewinnt die Gouvernante, die wohl doch nicht so langweilig ist, wie sie zunächst von der Erzählerin der Rahmenhandlung beschrieben wird, sondern sich in der Tiefe ihres Herzens wohl nach Liebe und Romantik sehnt, selbst wenn es tragisch enden sollte.
February 2, 2023
An Accursed Race:
This essay at least had been published before and was inserted into this slight narrative that was the Round the Sofa collection. I haven't listened to the whole, but just this piece first, as I am reading Gaskell's individual works chronologically. It sounded odd with the narrative story-telling bits before and after.
This was an unexpected history of a people I'd not heard of before, and a reflection on the history and nature of prejudice and discrimination. It also begins with Gaskell telling the readers that they as English people have not been innocent of prejudice and discrimination, though she excuses it as being in the past, as apparently at that time they were insular and not dealing with refugees as Continental Europe was.
Half a Lifetime Ago:
A tale of different kinds of love and sacrifice, focused on the plight of a woman and running a farm business. A retelling of earlier story Martha Preston, but I read this one first.
The Poor Clare:
A unexpected mixed fiction of genealogy research, law, religion, and witchcraft.
The Half-Brothers:
Sad and bittersweet.
My Lady Ludlow:
A challenging mix of beliefs on who should and shouldn’t be educated (yes for the aristocracy/high ranks and no for the lowest classes because that leads to revolutionary ideas), and practicing charity/good works for your fellow human. Also I wonder if its meant to be slightly satire: like it mentions Methodist and other dissenting ministers and Lady Ludlow’s and others’ poor opinions of them - Mrs. Gaskell was married to a dissenting minister, so in this and other ways its clear she didn’t share Lady Ludlow’s views, but that she wanted, in her stories, to share the wide variety of views and experiences.
The Doom of the Griffiths:
Big aristocratic family sort of epic, despite it being a short story.
This essay at least had been published before and was inserted into this slight narrative that was the Round the Sofa collection. I haven't listened to the whole, but just this piece first, as I am reading Gaskell's individual works chronologically. It sounded odd with the narrative story-telling bits before and after.
This was an unexpected history of a people I'd not heard of before, and a reflection on the history and nature of prejudice and discrimination. It also begins with Gaskell telling the readers that they as English people have not been innocent of prejudice and discrimination, though she excuses it as being in the past, as apparently at that time they were insular and not dealing with refugees as Continental Europe was.
Half a Lifetime Ago:
A tale of different kinds of love and sacrifice, focused on the plight of a woman and running a farm business. A retelling of earlier story Martha Preston, but I read this one first.
The Poor Clare:
A unexpected mixed fiction of genealogy research, law, religion, and witchcraft.
The Half-Brothers:
Sad and bittersweet.
My Lady Ludlow:
A challenging mix of beliefs on who should and shouldn’t be educated (yes for the aristocracy/high ranks and no for the lowest classes because that leads to revolutionary ideas), and practicing charity/good works for your fellow human. Also I wonder if its meant to be slightly satire: like it mentions Methodist and other dissenting ministers and Lady Ludlow’s and others’ poor opinions of them - Mrs. Gaskell was married to a dissenting minister, so in this and other ways its clear she didn’t share Lady Ludlow’s views, but that she wanted, in her stories, to share the wide variety of views and experiences.
The Doom of the Griffiths:
Big aristocratic family sort of epic, despite it being a short story.
July 3, 2014
“Round the Sofa” consists of seven short tales, of which the title story features different characters who relate the other six.
Three of these I’ve read elsewhere, so skipped over them here. A third one was a non-fiction account that didn’t appeal to me, thus I bypassed this one too.
I started three others, all of which I gave up on, as they didn’t hold my attention. They were more like extended rambles, featuring endless description, excessive words, and an overkill of punctuation.
The title story that serves as a framework was pleasant enough, so because of this and for those I’ve previously read, I rated this short story collection 3 stars rather than 2.
I tend to find Mrs Gaskell’s short stories and novellas somewhat hit and miss. Her novels appear to me as her greatest strength.
Three of these I’ve read elsewhere, so skipped over them here. A third one was a non-fiction account that didn’t appeal to me, thus I bypassed this one too.
I started three others, all of which I gave up on, as they didn’t hold my attention. They were more like extended rambles, featuring endless description, excessive words, and an overkill of punctuation.
The title story that serves as a framework was pleasant enough, so because of this and for those I’ve previously read, I rated this short story collection 3 stars rather than 2.
I tend to find Mrs Gaskell’s short stories and novellas somewhat hit and miss. Her novels appear to me as her greatest strength.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews