Sylvia's Lovers (Complete and Unabridged)

"Sylvia's Lover's," by Elizabeth Gaskell, is a marvelous evocation of life in a rugged Yorkshire whaling town in the late 1700s. The English are at war with the French (again) and the vividly depicted harbor town bustles with whaling activity while the King's press gangs roam the narrow streets looking for able-bodied sailors they can strong-arm into a navy desperate for new recruits. As they make their daily rounds, the locals must walk furtively, resentfully watchful for the hated gangs. Gaskell's theme is humanity's most egregious and enduring flaw. Charlie Kinraid is Gaskell's foil. Charlie is always effective. He is a first rate harpooner who always hits his mark. Even when captured by the press gangs he manages to pass a message for Sylvia to Philip (although Philip then betrays him). Once pressed into the navy, the capable and courageous Charlie buckles down and quickly rises to the rank of Captain. When he learns that Sylvia has married treacherous Philip in his forced absence, he simply finds himself another suitable woman (there are plenty of fish in the sea) and happily marries. Romantics, of course, will say that Charlie never really loved Sylvia, but a womanizer only comes back for his lady after such a long time if he truly cares for her. Naturally, this obvious fact is lost on muddle-headed Sylvia. Things end badly for all the obtuse self-defeaters while Charlie Kinraid, as is only fair and reasonable, comes through with flying colors.