This was a Victorian age read so named because it described the women who were not paired with men, the left-overs! I normally like Victorian novels, but Gissing is certainly no Trollope or Hardy. 3 stars barely (so many minor characters that it could be confusing) 285 pages ( )

Very good. Recommended by Backlisted. ( )

Very enjoyable read. Brilliantly crafted and brazenly bold in it's message. On the cusp of the world recognizing and rewarding women's suffrage (New Zealand was the first country 1893), Gissing produces a cage-rattling piece of work that surely played a role in an evolving awakening and acceptance in the equality–if not superiority–of women and their place at the table. Terrific writing. ( )

Monica deserved better ( )

I learned a lot about myself while reading this excellent book. I didn’t realize how completely conditioned I am to both expect and desire a conventional romantic “happy ending.”
Gissing’s story of several Victorian-era women who are “odd” in more than one sense is mesmerizing. The main character is Rhoda, a fiercely independent woman who eventually falls in love with a man. The working-out of their relationship forms the backbone of the book, but many other characters and plots are explored.
Although Rhoda and her friend Mary are on the upper side of middle class, Gissing includes several working-class women and their struggles; none are trivialized. He has a fascinating insight into women’s problems and ideas.
The weak spot of the book is a trite solution to a particular problem. But that solution is also realistic in its own way. All in all, this is a great exploration of the hopes, fears, and ideals of Victorian women. Be warned though, that it’s not in any sense a light read. ( )