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Half a Life-Time Ago: Classic Book Guide and Free Edition

Half a Life-Time Ago: author and translator credits, catalogue synopsis, subjects and links to the Gutenberg reading formats.

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AI-generated editorial illustration — not a photograph of the subject
AI-generated editorial illustration — not a photograph of the subject

Half a Life-Time Ago is catalogued by Project Gutenberg with author credits for Gaskell, Elizabeth Cleghorn (1810–1865).

Catalogue synopsis

Project Gutenberg supplies this automated synopsis of the opening text:

"Half a Life-Time Ago" by Elizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell is a historical novel likely written during the mid-19th century, a period known for its rich literary contributions in England. The narrative centers on the themes of love, loss, and familial obligation, providing insight into the rural life of Westmoreland and the struggles faced by its inhabitants. The story follows the life of Susan Dixon, a strong-willed woman grappling with her past and her responsibilities after the early death of her parents and the subsequent challenges she faces caring for her mentally impaired brother, Will. The novel intricately weaves together Susan's past and present, illuminating her relationship with Michael Hurst, her childhood love who ultimately drifts away due to circumstances and personal choices. The narrative depicts a series of trials that Susan endures, from her mother's death and the burden of caring for her brother to the emotional fallout from Michael's choices leading to his decline. As she strives to honor her mother's dying wish to protect Will, Susan's strength and resilience are tested time and again. The story culminates in a poignant exploration of companionship and forgiveness when Susan confronts Michael in his moment of crisis, unveiling a transformative resolution to her life's burdens as she embraces the opportunity for new beginnings amidst life's enduring challenges.

Book and edition facts

  • Title: Half a Life-Time Ago
  • Author credits: Gaskell, Elizabeth Cleghorn (1810–1865)
  • Catalogue language: English

Catalogue subjects

  • England -- Social life and customs -- 19th century -- Fiction

Gutenberg collections

  • Category: British Literature
  • Category: Historical Novels
  • Category: Novels

Read this edition

View the complete Gutenberg catalogue record. Project Gutenberg identifies this edition as public domain in the United States; that designation does not establish its copyright status in every country.

Source notes

Catalogue metadata is public domain and is supplied through Gutendex, which imports Gutenberg's machine-readable catalogue. The automated synopsis is source-supplied, not an independently verified review. Author dates above describe the credited people; no ebook release date is presented as the book's original publication date.

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