Round the Sofa by Elizabeth Gaskell is a collection of short stories that explore themes of love, loss, and social issues. The characters are well-developed and the plots are engaging, drawing the reader in from the very first page. Gaskell's writing style is elegant and evocative, painting vivid pictures of Victorian society.

Each story in the collection offers a unique perspective on the human experience, from the struggles of a young woman trying to make a living as a governess, to the poignant reunion of a father and daughter who have been estranged for years. Gaskell deftly weaves together themes of class, gender, and morality, creating a rich tapestry of stories that are both entertaining and thought-provoking.

Overall, Round the Sofa is a delightful read that showcases Gaskell's talent as a storyteller. Fans of classic literature and historical fiction will surely enjoy this collection of timeless tales.

Book Description:
Round the Sofa (1859), is a book of stories by the lady that Charles Dickens called his “dear Scheherazade” due to her skill as a story teller. That Lady was Mrs. Elizabeth Gaskell (North and South, Wives and Daughters, Cranford etc.). Mrs. Gaskell begins with Round the Sofa, a short story which she uses as a device to stitch together six previously published stories into a single work. It introduces us to a set of characters who take turns to recount stories to one another during their weekly soirée. My Lady Ludlow tells the story of the widowed, aristocratic Lady Ludlow and her fierce resistance to change. It is told through the eyes of one of her young charges. Incidentally, it was one of the books used to create the TV series Cranford. An Accursed Race is actually an essay about a persecuted minority group, the Cagots in Western France. The Doom of the Griffiths. A Gothic short story about a cursed family and set in Wales. Half a Life-Time Ago. A novella set in the Wiltshire Dales. The Poor Clare. A Ghostly short story! The Half Brothers. A sad short story about brotherly love and a sheep-dog dog named Lassie!