Wow, this book was really something, and I mean that affectionately! It just felt like it would never end! It is a grueling 609 pages and I found myself wishing I was the sort of person who could have many books going at once because this was, well, a bit much at times. I read Collins' Woman in White and loved it. I did love this too, it's a pretty remarkable story with many ups and downs. Well-written, interesting, imaginative, it's all there. But I find myself relieved to have it all behind me and know how everything turns out. I do recommend this, did like it, but beware that it will consume you for a bit.
While many books suffer from a sagging middle, this one has a slow - though necessary for the plot - start; I wasn't all that thrilled with the ending. The story itself, once the sisters' fate is established, moves rapidly. Captain and Mrs. Wragge are a hoot!
