Cranford.

Cranford describes life in a small town in England during the nineteenth century. The focus rests on several unmarried women and widows. They follow rules for social calls and spending. The arrival of a train and other modern elements affects their routines. The book presents scenes from their interactions and concerns over money and status. It notes differences between generations and between the town and nearby cities. The story moves from one incident to another. It avoids a single continuous plot. Instead it builds a picture of the community through everyday matters.