The Book Vipers discussion

This is the thread for discussion for the classic book of the month. Let

Things to consider:

1. Were you hooked immediately by the book or did it take a while to get into?
2. Did you like the plot?
3. Did the characters drive the plot or were they just passengers?
4. Did it come across as a credible story?
5. Did you connect to any of the characters in the story
6. Did you like the ending?
7. Did you have any quote or lines that stood out for you?
8. Would you read any other titles by this author?

I really enjoyed the book.

It is full of wonderfully feminist ideas arguing for women’s rights and features well developed female characters that all have multiple levels to them.

I really appreciated Rhoda Nunn’s ending, (view spoiler)[ turning down marriage to devote herself to her work, especially as Everard doesn’t seem like a good match for. (hide spoiler)]

Reading about Widdowson made my cringe so many times, especially when he refers to his wife as little girl. We’re obviously not supposed to like him and as an unlikeable character he is very successful. He is weak, insecure, controlling, abusive, manipulative,…. no, I didn’t like him!

I really enjoyed this book too. The ideas about women's rights, the problems of meeting and marrying a truly well matched partner, the scarcity of opportunities for impoverished gentlewomen, are all well integrated into the story and explored without offering easy answers.

I agree with Becky that Widdowson is an unlikeable character, but I felt a glimmer of sympathy for him - he has a fixed idea of what a woman is like and what marriage should be, and is totally unable to adapt. He brings his suffering on himself, and even more so on Monica, but his suffering is genuine.

It was a credible story, very engaging and thought provoking without being too 'preachy'. I'd definitely read more by Gissing, I have a copy of New Grub Street and will be moving it up the TBR.