Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell’s Half-Brothersfollows two brothers, Gregory, and his younger brother, who is left unnamed. After the death of her first husband, Helen, Gregory’s mother, remarries a man named William Preston. Together, they conceive a child, but Helen tragically dies during childbirth. Mourning the loss of his wife, but happy about the arrival of his son, William is left to raise both children alone. However, since Gregory is quiet, slightly awkward, and not his biological son, William treats Gregory much different than he does his younger son. While Gregory is treated like garbage, the younger son secures a position as the darling of the family. Still, Gregory remains to be kind, despite the fact that his stepfather’s attitude towards him has infected his younger brother as well. As jealousy and resentment builds, a catharsis emerges arises one winter day. After being sent on an errand by his father, the younger brother decides to take a shortcut home. However, his sense of direction is mistaken, and the short cut leaves him lost and alone. As the snow falls, the temperature drops and the night begins to set, the younger brother is scared and cold, terrified that he will never make it home. However, when Gregory realizes his brother is missing, he debates going out to find him. Wandering outside as the night begins to reign would be dangerous and unpleasant. Gregory recalls the instances in which his brother has treated him horribly, and feels conflicted whether he should give out compassion and help when it hasn’t been earned.

With themes of jealousy, love, sacrifice, and family, Half-Brothers features a moving narrative with intricate characters. As tragedy and sorrows echoes throughout Gregory’s life, this classic Gaskell narrative invokes strong emotional responses from readers even a century after it was first published.

Now presented in an easy-to-read font and featuring a stunning new cover design, this edition of Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell’s Half-Brothers is catered to modern readers, updating the classic to be accessible and conformed to contemporary standards while preserving the original genius of the work.

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