Cousin Phillis

Elizabeth Gaskell (1810-1865) was a British writer of the Victorian Era. In her works Elizabeth Gaskell portrayed the English society of those times, depicting different classes including the poorest. Her first novel, 'Mary Barton' is centered on the theme of poverty which can lead to rebellion. In her later works the topic of religion is raised and Gaskell believed that tolerance towards all the religions should be practiced. Mrs Gaskell is also known as the author of the biography of Charlotte Brontë.


Cousin Phillis is a romantic novel girst published in 1864. The central figure of this story is Paul Mannering, a boy of seventeen years old who has to move to the country side. At first he hates the idea, but he changes his mind when he meets his cousin: Phillis Holman. She is beautiful and innocent but very naive. What feel happen to the young boy and a girl in the phase of adolescence? Read this brilliant story and you will know!