Cranford (1851-53) by Elizabeth Gaskell is a gentle, witty novel that portrays life in a small English town dominated by women, particularly elderly spinsters. Through a series of vignettes, it explores themes of friendship, social change, resilience, and quiet dignity, capturing both the humor and hardship of rural Victorian life.
Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell (1810-1865) was a British novelist and short story writer known for her realistic portrayals of class, gender, and Industrial society. Her major works include North and South, Mary Barton, and Wives and Daughters. Gaskell's writing blends empathy, social awareness, and keen observation, earning her a respected place in Victorian literature.