Sylvia's Lovers, Volume III

Name: Sylvia's Lovers, Volume III
Author: Elizabeth Gaskell

The novel revolves around Sylvia Robson, a beautiful and strong-willed woman living in a small coastal town in northern England during the late 18th century. She is torn between her love for two men: Kinraid, a charismatic sailor, and Philip Hepburn, a wealthy and respectable farmer. The story explores themes of love, class, identity, and social expectations as Sylvia navigates her relationships with these two men and the consequences that follow.

By Elizabeth Gaskell · First published 1863 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama · 16 chapters · 72,917 words

First lines

And now Philip seemed as prosperous as his heart could desire. The business flourished, and money beyond his moderate wants came in. As for himself he required very little; but he had always looked forward to placing his idol in a befitting shrine; and means for this were now furnished to him. The dress, the comforts, the position he had desired for Sylvia were all hers. She did not need to do a stroke of household work if she preferred to 'sit in her parlour and sew up a seam'. Indeed Phoebe resented any interference in the domestic labour, which she had performed so long, that she looked upon the kitchen as a private empire of her own. 'Mrs Hepburn' (as Sylvia was now termed) had a good dark silk gown-piece in her drawers, as well as the poor dove-coloured, against the day when she chose to leave off mourning; and stuff for either gray or scarlet cloaks was hers at her bidding.

What this Textopian page supports

Sylvia's Lovers, Volume III is listed on Textopian as a novel by Elizabeth Gaskell, dated 1863 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

Work type: Novel
Author: Elizabeth Gaskell
Date: 1863 CE
Language: English
Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama, Tragedy, Social Commentary
Length: 72,917 words
Structure: 16 chapters, 1,093 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Historical Fiction — Set in the 1790s, it explores historical events and societal norms of the time.
Romance — Central to the plot are the romantic entanglements and emotional struggles of the characters.
Drama — The narrative is driven by intense personal and social conflicts.
Tragedy — The story includes elements of loss, betrayal, and sorrow.