In ‘Clayhanger' and ‘Hilda Lessways', Bennett followed the development of a relationship from two very different perspectives. He now draws these together in a finale that sees the two young protagonists embarking upon married life. One might expect a fairy tale romance, but both Edwin and Hilda are extremely strong-willed, and this clash of personalities makes for a marriage that often hovers on the brink of failure. This concluding volume of the ‘Clayhanger trilogy' contains some of Bennett's very finest work, depicting superb scenes from provincial life and painting a powerful picture of the conflict of wills in an inharmonious marriage.