Our Chair, Dr Diane Duffy will be discussing Sylvia’s Lovers for the 2023-24 Knutsford season.

Gaskell’s only historical novel, Sylvia’s Lovers is set in the fictional coastal town of Monkshaven, against a backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars.

Sylvia Robson lives a simple enough life on the farm, when she meets Charlie Kinraid, a dashing seaman. After their secret engagement, Kinraid vanishes and Sylvia is left broken-hearted and abandoned. Is her faithful cousin Philip telling the truth? Will his lie be found out before it’s too late?

Published in 1863, Sylvia’s Lovers is one of  Gaskell’s lesser-known novels, which she described as “the saddest story I ever wrote.”

In this, the third of six sessions, Diane will be covering Chapters 16-23 inclusive.

Read quotes from the chapters in question.

Download Diane’s discussion Points to Ponder.

Our monthly Knutsford meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month, between October and April (except December). Bring your own packed lunch from 1pm and then enjoy a friendly and informal talk and discussion, 2-3pm. Everyone is most welcome. £5 members, £6 non-members

Simply come along and pay on the door, or use the link below to book online (no booking fee). You can also join us online, over Zoom. You’ll receive a link with your ticket.