COUSIN PHILLIS

COMPLETE AND UNABRIDGED

A haunting evocation of the loss of innocence

Newly arrived in Eltham, young Paul Manning eagerly takes up his position as clerk to Mr Holdsworth, a railway engineer. His distant cousins the robust and learned Reverend Holman, his wife and their clever daughter Phillis warmly welcome him into their home. Although drawn to Phillis, who is as beautiful as she is innocent, he feels himself to be her unequal. When Mr Holdsworth, a handsome, well-travelled young man, meets the Holmans they are captivated by his wit and knowledge of the world. An enchanted summer ensues as Paul and he become regular visitors to Hope Farm. There is the promise of love… but where, Paul wonders, will it lead to?

In itaportrayal of a small farming community facing the impact of the modern industrialized world, Cousin Phillis mirrors the changes that were occurring in society and is considered one of Elizabeth Gaskell’s most mature works.