An old-fashioned story of stunted and thwarted lives in Industrial Revolution England. I read it with pleasure, but felt short-changed by the rather cursory ending. I enjoyed Bennett's gentle humor but none of the characters was particularly memorable.

I wish I could give this 3.5 stars. It was somewhat painful to read, and I was left feeling puzzled about the surprise ending.

Early 20th century. After the Trollope book, this is an interesting take on capitalism and class. Also the story of the miser--which is interesting in the context of "Our Mutual Friend" which I'm also reading. Bennett is so much more intense about the issues of class and socialism which come into view in the late Victorian and early 20th century. Also mixes this in with an approach to methodism, religion, and also the potteries. This is a fine book and much of the twentieth rather than the 19th century. (Listened audiobook.)