North and South

Feb 18, 2013 Blacky *Mistress of doom* rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, favorite-historical, read-historical, best-of-the-best, mine, of-course, 5-stars-for-quality, 5-stars-for-enjoyment

This will be a quote/pic review, I don't have time for a long one, and this is such a classic, that whatever I write won't be good enough :)
There will be spoilers as some of my fav quotes, just so you know :)

Thornton and Margaret <3

"He almost said to himself that he did not like her, before their conversation ended; he tried so to compensate himself for the mortified feeling, that while he looked upon her with an admiration he could not repress, she looked at him with proud indifference, taki
...more

Image Hosted by ImageShack.us

This will be a quote/pic review, I don't have time for a long one, and this is such a classic, that whatever I write won't be good enough :)
There will be spoilers as some of my fav quotes, just so you know :)

Thornton and Margaret <3

"He almost said to himself that he did not like her, before their conversation ended; he tried so to compensate himself for the mortified feeling, that while he looked upon her with an admiration he could not repress, she looked at him with proud indifference, taking him, he thought, for what, in his irritation, he told himself he was-a great rough fellow, with not a grace or a refinement about him."

"He shook hands with Margaret. He knew it was the first time their hands had met, though she was perfectly unconscious of the fact."

"He laid her down softly, and looking on her pure white face, the sense of what she was to him came upon him so keenly that he spoke it out in his pain:
'Oh, my Margaret-my Margaret! no one can tell what you are to me!'"

'I dare not hope. I never was fainthearted before; but I cannot believe such a creature cares for me.'
...
'But I know she does not care for me. I shall put myself at her feet-I must. If it were but one chance in a thousand-or a million-I should do it.'

'You look as if you thought it tainted you to be loved by me. You cannot avoid it. Nay, I, if I would, cannot cleanse you from it. But I would not, if I could. I have never loved any woman before: my life has been too busy, my thoughts too much absorbed with other things. Now I love, and will love. But do not be afraid of too much expression on my part.'

"How was it that he haunted her imagination so persistently? What could it be? Why did she care for what he thought, in spite of all her pride in spite of herself?"

"He lashed himself into an agony of fierce jealousy. He thought of that look, that attitude!-how he would have laid his life at her feet for such tender glances, such fond detention!"

"What shall I do? What do I mean? Why do I care what he thinks, beyond the mere loss of his good opinion as regards my telling the truth or not? I cannot tell. But I am very miserable! Oh, how unhappy this last year has been!"

'Where she had suffered so much.' Alas! and that was the way in which this eighteen months in Milton-to him so unspeakably precious, down to its very bitterness, which was worth all the rest of life's sweetness-would be remembered.

'I wanted to see the place where Margaret grew to what she is, even at the worst time of all, when I had no hope of ever calling her mine.'

'Oh, Mr. Thornton, I am not good enough!'
'Not good enough! Don't mock my own deep feeling of unworthiness.'

My buddy reader Nicole said everything there is to say about the book, just beautiful, if you want to know more, just read her review :)

DUCHESS NICOLE'S REVIEW

*buddy read with Tea, Karen, Nicole, Cathy, Amaryllis and I think there were some more people ahahhahah, anyway A LOT OF US*

(less)

106 likes · like · see review

Nov 16, 2012 Jeannette rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adult-fiction, classics, 2010-read, simran, 2012-read, books-i-own

Second read, November 2012, with Simran. My rating jumps to 5 stars

My second read of North and South was even more enjoyable than the first. Coming back to familiar people and places, I was able to understand, in more depth, the shades of the story Gaskell is telling. This is a story of opposites: culture, climate, way of living, that Margaret Hale is thrust into against her will. While she is at first repulsed by the ways of the Industrial North, and by the stern men that are the masters, she...more Second read, November 2012, with Simran. My rating jumps to 5 stars

My second read of North and South was even more enjoyable than the first. Coming back to familiar people and places, I was able to understand, in more depth, the shades of the story Gaskell is telling. This is a story of opposites: culture, climate, way of living, that Margaret Hale is thrust into against her will. While she is at first repulsed by the ways of the Industrial North, and by the stern men that are the masters, she slowly comes to understand more about them. She sees that life here is hard in many ways that are similar to the life of the laborers in the agrarian south. The masters in the north remain above their workers, as the “gentry” remain separate from those who toil in the fields. By becoming involved in the lives of these people in the north, Margaret comes to appreciate their vitality, their strength, the things they value. In the end, this becomes more than just a love story between Margaret and John, it encompasses a way of life that is changing, a longing for the past, and an expectation of a better future.

On this second read, I have re-discovered how lovely Gaskell’s writing is. There are so many wonderful passages in this book, sometimes on every other page. I was struck by the descriptions of Helstone; the perpetual fog of industry in Milton; Mr. Thornton’s contrasting the over-stuffed but unused drawing room in his home, with the homey comforts of the Hale’s snug room, devoid of unnecessary bric-a-brac. I appreciate the way the characters speak, the words and tones Gaskell gives each one that separates them into their own “class” of people. Margaret is always refined and a bit aloof, yet at times tender and a bit puzzled. Thornton is always controlled and powerful, even in his anguish. Bessy and Higgins have their own dialect, but there is a strong strain of mysticism and wisdom in the things they say.

I must slightly modify my analysis of all but the very last pages; the last eighty were not boring, but served as a way to deliver a message about social change. With Margaret returning to both London and Helstone, and seeing these places through a new perspective, Gaskell is able to point out the wrongs within the more genteel society that was the target of her story. I still stand by my opinion that Gaskell did not seem to know how to finish the book. So much depth of feeling, smothered passion, and then the final scene has these two acting like silly love-struck teens. Otherwise, a perfect book.

************Older Review*****************

I watched the mini-series, and then "consumed" the book! This book is so well-written, it kept me reading as long, and as often as I could. It is similar in some ways to Pride & Prejudice, but I really like the omniscient narrator who gives us insight regarding the thoughts and feelings of both Margaret Hale, and John Thornton. The story is primarily about Margaret, the people in her life, and the way she changes over the course of the story. She is proud and looks down on John Thornton; he, on the other hand, loves her passionately. It's wonderful to follow the paths they take toward and away from each other.

I would have given this book 5 stars, but I really felt that the last 80 pages were sub-par, compared to the rest of the book. There is a lot of nothing going on in this portion of the story. And, the ending was a bit weak. Not everyone agrees with me, but it just seemed that some of the passion that drove the story had faded away.

Still, wonderful book! The film adaptation, while not exactly faithful to the book, was very enjoyable. It shifted the emphasis to the mills and the plight of the workers, but the beautiful cinematography, and the beautiful Richard Armitage make it worth watching!(less)

28 likes · like · see review

Aug 29, 2011 Fiona rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of pride and prejudice

Shelves: books-i-own, classics, setting-england, bought-new, read-more-then-once, 2010, 2009, 2011, favourites

I have just completed reading this book for the second time and it has been even better then the first time.

I'd already seen the BBC series before reading the first time so I already knew the story, and I wish I'd come to the books afresh in a way though I do not think that would have altered in anyway, the way I perceived them. Though Richard Armitage certainly does help and I swooned over Thornton even more.

What I love about North and South is the passion and the realness of the characters, th...more

69 likes · like · see review

Feb 18, 2013 Duchess Nicole rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to Duchess Nicole by: Alexandra

Shelves: genre-historical-fiction, recommendations, h-epic, e-pcs, buddy-reads, genre-historical-romance, genre-classics, h-make-me-cry, read-in-2013

"And yet, yo see, North and South has both met and made kind o' friend in this big smoky place."

I almost feel like a fraud reviewing books like this. I know that there are probably many details that I miss entirely, some nuances that go straight over my head, but these are my thoughts...however scattered they are.

Margaret Hale's father has been the spiritual leader of his community of Helston for decades. Now he questions his faith...not necessarily his belief in God, but maybe the infallible c...more

27 likes · like · see review

Dec 02, 2011 Kim rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobook

I came to this novel, as is the case for many readers, through the BBC television adaptation, which I watched for the first time earlier this year. While I had not consciously avoided the novel and its adaptation until now, it's probably the case that I have been unconsciously avoiding Victorian fiction for some years, preferring the less ponderous novels of the earlier 19th century (particularly Austen) and the leaner style of 20th century fiction.

However at the moment I’m in the mood for Victo...more
I came to this novel, as is the case for many readers, through the BBC television adaptation, which I watched for the first time earlier this year. While I had not consciously avoided the novel and its adaptation until now, it's probably the case that I have been unconsciously avoiding Victorian fiction for some years, preferring the less ponderous novels of the earlier 19th century (particularly Austen) and the leaner style of 20th century fiction.

However at the moment I’m in the mood for Victoriana and this novel fits the bill perfectly. There are a lot of words – way more than is needed to simply tell the tale – and the tale itself has its share of sentimentality and melodrama. But I loved every word of the book and every overblown feeling that those words expressed. Having finished it, I will miss the world it took me to and I’m wondering how long it will be before I can visit that world again.

I listened to the novel in audiobook format, narrated by Juliet Stevenson. As is to be expected, the quality of the narration is superb. Stevenson flawlessly brings each character distinctly to life.

At the heart of North and South is the relationship between the two main protagonists: proud ex-parson’s daughter Margaret Hale and equally proud mill owner and industrialist John Thornton. They have different backgrounds, different attitudes and different sensibilities. They represent different worlds – she the world of the gentry from the agrarian and intellectual south of England, he the self-made men of the industrial north. They meet, they clash, they misunderstand each other. For the relationship to ultimately be resolved, they have to find a point of balance, a place of harmony, where the prejudices engendered by their differing backgrounds can give way to a new way of thinking and acting. The difficulties in the relationship of Margaret Hale and John Thornton are played out against the turmoil of 19th century England. Gaskell weaves into the novel the differences in attitude between the north and the south of the country, the conflict between capitalists and labour and the shifts in class and gender relations.

Some readers may find the novel’s discussion of social issues verging on the preachy, but I didn’t. I found it to be a fascinating glimpse not only into what I presume were Gaskell’s political and social views (although I know relatively little about Gaskell), but also into the attitudes of conservative, thoughtful, people towards the social change occurring at that time. This sense of change – change happening very fast, change that has to be coped with in order for the characters to survive – is a thread running through the novel. Margaret Hale in particular experiences extreme changes in her life and in her attitudes over the time span of the novel. John Thornton also experiences changes in his life circumstances and – crucially - in his attitude towards the relationship between employers and employees. Both characters have to deal with the changes in their lives while remaining true to themselves before they can find that place of harmony where they can be together. The resolution of their relationship symbolises the potential for a resolution of the social conflict which Gaskell so clearly describes.

Reviewers of North and South occasionally comment on the difference between the final scene in the novel and the final scene in the television adaptation. I like both. (view spoiler)

There are times when my reader’s soul craves lean, hard prose, stripped of excess adjectives and adverbs, where the action happens quickly and description is kept to a minimum. There are times when I am happy to wallow in lovely long words, with an abundance of description. This is a book for those times. It lacks the sparkle and wit of an Austen novel. Its language does not have the poetry of Hardy’s descriptions of landscape. But it’s a wonderful experience for a patient reader who wants to travel to a different time and place and is in the mood for an interesting tale, well told.
(less)

33 likes · like · see review

Jul 01, 2007 Ailsa rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Fans of 19th century lit in general

Shelves: classics

I can't quite put my finger on why I love this book quite as much as I do. And even for someone who does re-read books as much as I do, to get through 3 copies of one book is quite a feat. For me, the most remarkable achievement of Gaskell is that she is able to combine so many elements of various 19th century novelistic traditions and yet not have the novel collapse into incomprehensibility.

The broad scope of the novel, coupled with insightful depth and comment means that each reading of the bo...more I can't quite put my finger on why I love this book quite as much as I do. And even for someone who does re-read books as much as I do, to get through 3 copies of one book is quite a feat. For me, the most remarkable achievement of Gaskell is that she is able to combine so many elements of various 19th century novelistic traditions and yet not have the novel collapse into incomprehensibility.

The broad scope of the novel, coupled with insightful depth and comment means that each reading of the book can offer something new. Read it as a straight forward (or not) love story, a fictional romantic biography. Then discover the class politics that run through the novel. Or perhaps the debate (as the title suggests) between the rapidly industrialising north and the more gentrified south. Or the sexual and gender politics that create a constant thematic pulse throughout the book... Or any other matter you choose to seek out from religion to the nature of authority and so on and so forth. There is so much to be gained from the many directions in which this book can pull you: I personally have often come away from the book wanting to follow up on points raised, to examine the history behind the work. Or, if in a romantic mood, I will find snippets of prose or dialogue floating around my head.

I imagine for the majority of readers their primary concern is the love/hate relationship between Margaret and Thornton. Their story is successful because they are believable: they are imperfect, act willfully and foolishly, but ultimately they are good people. Margaret, especially, is an engaging heroine: her independance and strength of character in the face of (remorseless) adversity make her compelling, and gives the reader a real desire to see her gain her "happy" ending.

Criticisms I have heard against the book have numbered the following:

-It is dry
-Its "over-emotional" prose kills any actual emotion (i.e: it is poorly written)
-It is unbelievable
-Gaskell mimics other author's styles

But I believe most criticisms can be easily refuted. Obviously, to enjoy this book you need to familiarise and accept the conventions of the 19th century novel (i.e: long, expository, sentimental, sensational) and soak up the atmosphere and melodrama as part of the essential charm of the novel. After all, that's how the escapism occurs! North and South is no more dry (and in my personal opinion a lot less dry) than Dickens, far less emotional than the heated Villette, and certainly as believable as anything written by Austen, Shelley or the Brontes. Indeed, Gaskell is more firmly tied to realism via her evocation of working class Manchester. And in terms of Gaskell owing much in style to, say Dickens, that is no great suprise: Gaskell was similarly writing in serialised format, and Dickens edited much of North and South. But owing a stylistic debt to another artist is not an indicator of lack of artistic merit: otherwise we would have to discount the majority of Shakespeare's work.

Essentially then, this is a book that continues to keep giving and at the very least will provide a very pleasant few hours of escapism into another (marvellously pictured) world.

(less)

40 likes · like · see review

Feb 18, 2008 Dawn rated it 4 of 5 stars

I read this because I'd seen the BBC production, and wondered if Margaret Hale would be less silly in the book. North and South sounds like it should be about social and geographic divisions, but it's actually about finding balance amidst constant change. Although I found her character annoyingly reactive, the Miss Hale of the novel is decidedly less silly than she of the movie.

I've read comparisons of Mr. Thornton to Jane Austen's Mr. Darcy, but I don't personally see much likeness--aside from...more

41 likes · like · see review

view all 5 comments

Dawn Wow, film or book? That’s tough. My background is in libraries, so not recommending the book is practically heresy. However, unless you’re seriously i...more
Jul 22, 2011 08:09pm

Kerri I agree with your review wholeheartedly, even down to the best characters. Had it not been for the film, I would never have stumbled across the book,...more
Oct 19, 2011 12:21pm

Jul 26, 2009 Elizabeth rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2007, in-by-of-england, reviewed, victorians-and-wannabes, boston-janeites, jane-austen-made-me-do-it

I keep thinking I don't like Victorian literature and then I read another Elizabeth Gaskell novel...

Usually, I find the practice of paying authors by the word or the chapter (the books were serialized) lead to meandering plots, excessive description of unimportant things, and cliffhanger chapter-endings. North and South is definitely a Victorian novel. The domestic details seem to overwhelm the story sometimes. I would have to step back and remember the importance of them to establishing class a...more I keep thinking I don't like Victorian literature and then I read another Elizabeth Gaskell novel...

Usually, I find the practice of paying authors by the word or the chapter (the books were serialized) lead to meandering plots, excessive description of unimportant things, and cliffhanger chapter-endings. North and South is definitely a Victorian novel. The domestic details seem to overwhelm the story sometimes. I would have to step back and remember the importance of them to establishing class and character during this period. The cliffhangers weren't too bad - some sentiment stuff - but by the time I got to them I was utterly engrossed in the story; I didn't even notice.

Elizabeth Gaskell was a reformer. She was the wife of a Unitarian minister and they lived in Manchester, England in the mid-nineteenth century. She lived with all of the problems of the period. As a successful writer during her life time, she mixed with the wealthy as well as the poor. Her books are designed, like Uncle Tom's Cabin, to make the mostly middle class readers feel for the person who is suffering and to make them sympathetic enough to take action on her behalf. Her books like Mary Barton and Ruth are deeply political and, admittedly, too sentimental for me (although I may try again now).

After Mary Barton, which was criticized for being too political, North and South was criticized as being a middle class love story, with not enough politics. I didn't see that. There is definitely a love story at the center of this book, and if you have any sense of romance as a reader, you will love it. It also has the complexity of an Austen relationship (my gold standard). My favorite scene is very early on. In the first meeting between John Thorton, the industrialist mill owner, and Margaret Hale, the renegade minister's daughter. We learn that he's in love with her because of one sentence where Gaskell describes Margaret's neck from Thorton's point of view, while they are arguing about the rights of individuals. It's a lot like Pride and Prejudice as a tale of overcoming pride to find self-awareness and therefore true love. John Thorton has often been compared to Fitzwilliam Darcy and I can see similarities, but Thorton is well-rounded enough that he stands on his own.

If you're not going to be sickened by all this, then keep reading. Thorton is a complex character. Gaskell didn't create another one-sided political book here. Thorton is a pull-yourself-up-by-your-own-bootstraps individualist drawing on a lot of the Utilitarian philosophy of the time. He believes that workers should be treated well (particularly regarding healthy working environments) because they will be better (stronger) workers for it. It's a callous belief and watching Gaskell make these economic arguments for why workers should have better conditions is difficult to a modern reader, but it was revolutionary at the time. Thorton also doesn't believe in controlling the workers' lives outside of the factory, which was something that lots of "reformers" were clamoring for at the time. He's an amazing representation of a smart, individual that would not conform to society rules and was better for it. I cannot think of another character like him, although I can certainly see influences of the Brontes on him.

The other reason it is criticized as a middle class love story, is that readers, up until the late twentieth century anyway, thought that middle class women were not political. Margaret Hale says some fairly radical things in this novel and no one seems to notice. She's strong, she's compassionate, she's proud, she's confused, she cares more about doing what is right than being taken care of. She would rather be poor and honest than rich and the object of some man. Gaskell gives her a juxtaposition with Thorton's sister to reinforce how unusual and decidedly better she is for these beliefs.

If you remember when it was written, by whom, and for what purpose, the charm of the writing, the ability of its author to create the scene, and the political ideas that she explores make this book much more than just a period piece. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Just writing about it makes me want to read it again!
(less)

53 likes · like · see review

Sep 16, 2008 Anneliese Bennion rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-ve-read-over-and-over

On Sunday evening I finished reading Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South. It's the book they based the wonderful BBC movie on, in case you were wondering. It took me three weeks, maybe four to read this novel. I think that's the longest time I've spent with a book this year (not including when I've reread some of my favorites). A couple of years back I remember starting this book, but for some reason or another I didn't finish it. Just recently I came upon a website that posted pictures from the...more On Sunday evening I finished reading Elizabeth Gaskell's North and South. It's the book they based the wonderful BBC movie on, in case you were wondering. It took me three weeks, maybe four to read this novel. I think that's the longest time I've spent with a book this year (not including when I've reread some of my favorites). A couple of years back I remember starting this book, but for some reason or another I didn't finish it. Just recently I came upon a website that posted pictures from the movie with captions either from the movie, different actors/directors and captions from the book. In going through these pictures and quotes, episode by episode, I felt a great need to try and read this book again.

This time, I was much more thorough. I kept a yellow marker with me whenever I read it so that I could highlight my favorite parts - which mostly included anything romantic or anything that peaked my interest.

I gave it 5 stars. It really was excellently written in beautiful style. I think it was as enjoyable and satisfying as any Jane Austen book. I just loved the language and images that she described. She originally wrote it for a magazine/newspaper that Charles Dickens edited. It was written like a serial. There are 52 chapters, each of which are never more than 10 pages long. I loved it because whenever I had time to sit down and read it, I could always finish a chapter.

Now, into the story itself. It struck me how everyone around Margaret used her. She is portrayed as a strong, independent, beautiful woman. But for all that, her goodness was always taken advantage. First with her father. He tells her about his decision to leave the church. It was very hard for him to tell her and very hard for her to hear. However, he doesn't feel like he can tell his wife, so he asks/makes Margaret do it. Later on, Margaret is required to keep the secret of her mother's illness. Not only that, but she's also required to tend to her as well. Then, her brother, inadvertently uses her to cover up their involvement in the death of Leonards. Over and over, these things happen. Even her cousin uses her as a nurse maid for her children. I was frustrated for her. She should not have been put in those situations, especially if she was as strong and independent as she is described.

It's interesting note the passing of time in this book. Margaret spent two years in Milton, in which both of her parents died and her good friend Bessy Higgins. Then she leaves and moves back to London. She is there for a year, in which Mr. Bell dies and in the end she accepts Mr. Thornton's proposal. When I watched the movie I was not aware of this movement of time.

I loved reading the thoughts of both Margaret and Mr. Thornton. At first they were attracted to each other. Then Margaret is disillusioned with him and really doesn't give him any thought until the strike. Mr. Thornton on the other hand, is captivated from the beginning. However, like Mr. Darcy, he failed in courting her and thus his proposal was refused. It is after this refusal that Margaret starts thinking more about him. Then, when she lies about her brother, she cannot stand the fact that Mr. Thornton knew she was lying, but did not have the courage to dissuade him of this. Whenever she thinks about him she suppresses investigating all of her feelings. After the refusal Mr. Thornton tries to prove to the world that he is not pining over Margaret. He even tries to put himself in her company, to prove his self mastery to himself. While all of the time loving her more and more, even though hope of marriage has died. Then in the end when they meet up again as equals in each other's eyes - it's just magnificent. It was wonderful!

As for the rest of the novel, it was quite enjoyable. I was interested in the workings of not only the commerce in Milton vs. London, but also in the societal differences as well. The characters were well written and each provided their own poignancy to the story. All in all it was a delightful read.(less)

19 likes · like · see review

Sep 24, 2007 Leanna rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I love this book.

The writing is nineteenth century and may not be accessible for all readers, but I find this style soothing and rhythmic. More than anything, though, the book touches the romantic inside me.

A vast majority of the story has little to do with romance. Gaskell focuses much of the text on industrialization, unionization, and the human condition. These topics are not too terribly interesting to me, and I would normally feel impatient with these passages. But I was more than willing t...more

14 likes · like · see review

Mar 10, 2012 Rachel rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The verdict is in: I read Elizabeth Gaskell's 1854 novel North and South and loved it. Loved, loved, loved it!

Not only that, it is even better than the movie, that gorgeous dramatic masterpiece. It will go down as one of my favorite books of all time. I loved Gaskell's exploration of human nature, our inherent distrust of the "other" and yet, our innate goodness. I love how she profiled the little idiosyncrasies in human nature (much in Austen fashion). And, as should be a true marker of good li...more The verdict is in: I read Elizabeth Gaskell's 1854 novel North and South and loved it. Loved, loved, loved it!

Not only that, it is even better than the movie, that gorgeous dramatic masterpiece. It will go down as one of my favorite books of all time. I loved Gaskell's exploration of human nature, our inherent distrust of the "other" and yet, our innate goodness. I love how she profiled the little idiosyncrasies in human nature (much in Austen fashion). And, as should be a true marker of good literature, the story is incredibly relevant today. I couldn't help but see a mirror of the economic hardships of our time and the heated push and pull between "classes" that often results in hardship for everyone (think GM and Chrysler, unions and bankruptcy). The love story at the heart of the book is but a metaphor for the broader themes Gaskell explores. And, N&S is refreshingly redemptive, as is the case with much Victorian literature. I won't spoil the ending, but the writing is immensely gripping and satisfying.

I can't wrap this up without mentioning John Thornton and my love for him that is slightly bordering on obsession. Thornton in the book? Even more intelligent and passionate than the movie version. Believe it! I love how Gaskell layered his personality and, alongside Margaret, we get to discover the heart behind the broody exterior. I hate always to bring up the Austen comparisons (only because I know every self-respecting, red-blooded woman has read her) but John Thornton is like Mr. Darcy unchecked. Mr. Darcy with raw emotion. Move over, indeed.

Not to leave the book's heroine out in the cold, Margaret Hale is refreshingly modern! She's strong and outspoken and unafraid. I love that she is portrayed as incredibly moral and able to engage when her opinions are challenged.

And while we're on the topic: Why in Victorian British literature has no one heard of Gaskell, yet everyone's read the Bronte sisters (Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights) and Charles Dickens. You've probably even heard about George Eliot (pen name for Marian Evans) and most definitely Robert Louis Stevenson. And William Thackeray (Vanity Fair, anyone?). And Lewis Carroll. But Gaskell has somehow fallen off the map for the general public, and it is my mission to galavanize you intelligent book readers out there to go and read her books. At the very least, watch the BBC Masterpiece Theatre adaptations.(less)

8 likes · like · see review

May 28, 2007 Zeina rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

You could call this the industrial revolution version of Pride and Prejudice: woman of lesser means meets stern, rich man; she hates him; he loves her; she rejects him then learns to appreciate him and finally falls in love with him.
However, the roles are a little more complex.

John Thornton is a wealthy cotton manufacturer in Milton, but he's worked hard to get to the top. He's a nouveau riche with worn hands. Margaret is an ex-parson's daughter, fresh from the idyllic south, transplanted to di...more

14 likes · like · see review

Dec 10, 2012 Sukyna Ssi rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: classics, favourites

Love it!! How can I do otherwise!! The "North and South" on papers has nothing to do with the "North and South" on screen, but they both have something in common which is their ability of making me bewitched (positively). Margaret Hale is a strong yet soft maid, whose character has gained my entire love, and Mr. Thornton is just the kind of men whose ardent love will make one melt, and whose gentlemanly behaviour will get one's respect!! The whole thing is bitter yet sweet as one would meet some...more

9 likes · like · see review

Mar 18, 2013 Valerie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: fans of Austen and maybe Dickens

Shelves: classic

I can’t remember the last time I was more patient with a book. It took me almost three weeks to finish this book and it just kept nagging me to read it. This book is long. I read somewhere that Gaskell wrote it for a magazine or something so maybe that was why some of the details seemed repetitive. I watched the movie (BBC series) so I had things I would look forward to though the movie did change a few things, not that many thankfully.

Another reviewer mentioned how this book was kind of like a...more I can’t remember the last time I was more patient with a book. It took me almost three weeks to finish this book and it just kept nagging me to read it. This book is long. I read somewhere that Gaskell wrote it for a magazine or something so maybe that was why some of the details seemed repetitive. I watched the movie (BBC series) so I had things I would look forward to though the movie did change a few things, not that many thankfully.

Another reviewer mentioned how this book was kind of like a mix of Pride and Prejudice and Les Miserables which I think is a good comparison. There is definitely lots of that going around in the book. The characters were somewhat disappointing. She is hoity (gives herself airs) and sometimes self pitying character (but who isn't) but not entirely unkind. All the other characters just faun over her though, which got annoying but there is less fawning later on. Mr. Thornton can be harsh. Her father is a less sturdy character than I first presumed from the movie but is just as kind and genuine.

However, I like the book. Why? Maybe because it was a classic and I’m supposed to. No, that can’t be it, I’ve disliked classics before. Maybe it’s because Mr. Thornton has a British accent. No, accents don’t usually make me like a character more, though his accent in the movie is pretty impressive. Well, then maybe it’s because I love a good romance. Hmmm, I’m getting closer. And maybe I like the fact that North and South are so different, just like Margaret and Mr. Thornton. I feel like these two characters in a way represent each of these regions. Neither is perfect but as they rub off on each other they start looking like a good couple to the point where I was anticipating the ending.

There is a social conflict undertone to the book. What I liked that isn’t present in the other 19th century classics I’ve read (Austen being the majority of them) is that I can see the world outside of the characters. I actually know what it is that Mr. Thornton does for a living. It plays a big part of his side of the story. Mr. Hale's decision to leave the church and become a tutor at a factory town, named Milton, is really the start of the book. The story isn’t only focused on the relationship between John Thornton and Margaret Hale. There is a strike going on and I saw how it affected the people of Milton, both the workers and employers.

In all honesty, I enjoyed the characters in the movie more than the book but I wouldn't dismiss the book. I could appriecate the social aspect in the book more, and the ending in the book was better. Now I’m "clemming" for more books (see what I did there;). I hope I used that right. (less)

4 likes · like · see review

Apr 02, 2013 Amalie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: english-literature, books-from-about-europe

I liked it! It seems Elizabeth Gaskell is less well-known around here than she deserves, though recent miniseries of several of her works seems as helping to redress the balance. This tale is a powerful but accessible story, with strong characters and a vivid setting.

I do feel it, perhaps, lack the wit and style of either Austen or Dickens but it is not without real modern application and import or taste. The North, a society based on money and industry, is capitalistic, practical, urban, suffer...more

5 likes · like · see review

Dec 05, 2012 Carrie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audio, for-ag-or-soa-review, own, historical, re-read, read-2012, manipulative-friends-family, romantic-elements, classic-lit

Narrated by Clare Wille

When North and South is mentioned these days, it is most likely in reference to the BBC miniseries based on the book, rather than the book itself. That’s not a bad thing, because the miniseries is superbly done. It takes a complicated story of love and life in industrial England in the mid-19th century, and makes it accessible to the modern viewer. But no matter how well done the TV adaptation is, the book is a gem worth pursuing for a patient reader, or better yet, a pati...more
Narrated by Clare Wille

When North and South is mentioned these days, it is most likely in reference to the BBC miniseries based on the book, rather than the book itself. That’s not a bad thing, because the miniseries is superbly done. It takes a complicated story of love and life in industrial England in the mid-19th century, and makes it accessible to the modern viewer. But no matter how well done the TV adaptation is, the book is a gem worth pursuing for a patient reader, or better yet, a patient listener.
Elizabeth Gaskell’s writing can be described as somewhat melodramatic, sentimental, and at times wordy, as was common for early Victorian writers. But the dated mode of writing doesn’t have to detract from the beauty of the writing or the enjoyment of the book. In fact, the style helps to immerse the reader in the time and place. North and South was, after all, written as a contemporary novel, and so shows authentic details, such as the language, dialects, and descriptions of daily life. The audiobook is read by Clare Wille, whose ability to manage not only the language of Gaskell, but also the many characters and dialects, is nothing short of amazing. Wille not only has to distinguish the male and female voice of the many characters, but she must voice the different manners of speaking between the social classes in the northern industrial town, as well as the differences in dialect between the characters from the south of England and those of the north. She does all this with skill and realism.
The story is both simple and complicated. When Margaret Hale’s father, a vicar in the Church of England, decides he can no longer serve the church due to differences of faith, he moves his wife and daughter, Margaret, from the slow moving life of rural southern England to the industrial north, there to hopefully find employment as a tutor. Margaret, being raised on edge of gentility, finds the close association with manufacturers and “shop keepers” to be repugnant. She also finds the town of Milton to be dirty, noisy, and rough. There she meets both the successful manufacturers, such as Mr. Thornton who comes to be tutored by Mr. Hale, and the millworkers, such as Higgins and his two daughters, Bessie and Mary.
Gaskell was heavily influenced by Austen’s Pride and Prejudice when writing the romance within North and South. The story of Margaret Hale and John Thornton parallels that of Elizabeth and Darcy on many levels. There is arrogance, ignorance, misunderstanding, and finally respect and understanding. Like Austen’s book, North and South shows the complicated lattice of social interactions and how class restrictions influence relationships and limit choices. Unlike Austen, however, Gaskell’s tale takes on the social problems of the day. The industrialization of England is elevating the middle class and straining the class structure of English society. Along with the changing social structure, Gaskell also explores the plight of the millworkers and struggles of the mill owners to stay competitive in a volatile market.
Gaskell’s romantic notions go farther than getting the main couple together in the end. She also sets about getting another “couple” together-- the mill owner, Thornton and the union supporter, Higgins. As complicated as the misunderstandings are between Margaret and Thornton, they are nothing compared to the wall of prejudice and mistrust between the mill owners and their workers. Gaskell ideal was to see the two sides finally acknowledge their interdependence and work together to better the lives of the workers and the profits of the owners.
It should be noted that religious faith plays a large part in the book. Several characters struggle with faith and belief is openly discussed in several conversations. Even so, this is in no way an “inspirational romance.” Gaskell instead explores the different approaches to faith at that time, using the experiences of each character’s life to illuminate their struggles. The part religion plays in the book is very much in keeping with its importance in the culture of the time, and is there for debate rather than for proselytizing.
Clare Wille’s narration of Gaskell’s enduring story of love and struggles in industrial England is a rare treat. If you’ve enjoyed Pride and Prejudice and have a little patience with a writing style that is out of fashion, you will be rewarded with an awe-inspiring listening experience. Gaskell’s beautiful language and emotional story-telling coupled with Wille’s perfect narration is truly not to be missed.

Reviewed for audiogals.net.
(less)

6 likes · like · see review

Jul 27, 2009 Becky rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, classics, 2009, political, religion-related, reviewed

OK, I want to preface this review by saying that there is a very good chance that poor timing has caused me to not enjoy this book as much as I probably would have otherwise. I chose to read this immediately after finishing the ridiculously fast-paced and, I'll admit, addictive Twilight series, thinking that a classic romance would, as I told a friend (probably "former" after she reads this review though), get me back into the habit of reading "big people books".

Unfortunately, North and South j...more OK, I want to preface this review by saying that there is a very good chance that poor timing has caused me to not enjoy this book as much as I probably would have otherwise. I chose to read this immediately after finishing the ridiculously fast-paced and, I'll admit, addictive Twilight series, thinking that a classic romance would, as I told a friend (probably "former" after she reads this review though), get me back into the habit of reading "big people books".

Unfortunately, North and South just frustrated me, nearly from start to finish.

I am a huge Austen fan. I find her witty, fun and funny, and smart as a whip. She is well-known for her social commentary, and yet when she is commenting on these rather serious social issues, it doesn't feel like a lecture. She manages to carry the story while still making her stance on whatever issue known, and isn't heavy-handed about it.

Sadly, Gaskell was quite different. I'm not one to shy away from serious issues, or from books that take those issues seriously and address them seriously. But Gaskell wasn't joking with this one. This is no light-hearted satire or social commentary. It's barely even romance, at least by my -perhaps biased- standards. Yes, there is a loving embrace at the end, but the 70 or so pages leading up to it had me so annoyed that it was almost not worth the happy ending.

I felt that every issue was dealt with in such a heavy-handed way that it all but interrupted the story. At times, I would be reading along, minding my own business, and then it's like I hit a Wall of Lecture and Deep Thought. Religion, class divisions, religion, workers' rights, religion, women's rights, etc, etc, etc. Each it's own wall, that I would unfortunately wander smack into time and again.

I wish that I had known what this book would have been like before I began reading it. I would have absolutely chosen a better time to read it, and a better mindset to read it in, and I guarantee that I'd have appreciated it more. I was looking for something light and romantic and fun. My idea of this book was formed by three good (and again, probably "former" after reading this) friends continually telling me that a certain leading male character was "melt-worthy" and that I would just fall in love with him, and that he is far superior to "Arsy Darcy" (not my term). Thus leading to my incorrect assumption that this is a classic romance similar to the ones I'm used to reading.

I wish I could say that I melted for Mr. Thornton. Probably stemming from the Wall of Lecture and Deep Thought encircling most of his parts, I just didn't see it. He can be quite stubborn and set in his ways, but this also has the pleasant counter-part of being extremely loyal. I didn't understand his motives when it came to the strike, but I freely admit that he is fair and only became more fair as the book progressed. There was a time when I felt that he was rather a Mama's boy, but this idea passed too as their relationship became more clear. I wish that Gaskell would have shown us more of his actual character, rather than the little snapshots we see of him on his own, and the very colored view we have of him through Margaret.

And speaking of Margaret. *sigh* I began the story quite liking her, but by the end, I wanted the union between she and Mr. T simply because it would make HIM happy. She didn't deserve him, in my opinion. Someone so stubborn and set in her mind to think the worst of people that she thinks think the worst of her is just stupid. Sorry. It's true. Swallow your pride a bit and explain yourself if it bothers you OH SO MUCH that he must hold this atrocious opinion of you. At least then if he still hates you, you could say that you TRIED. UGH. Granted, this is probably my modern feminism coming through, and isn't fair to someone who can't go somewhere on her own, but... wait. What's that? Margaret was independent? Oh, Hmmmmmm. I swear if she could have taken up sheep-shearing, she probably would have done it to avoid the knowledge that she certainly HAD to have that she should just go and talk to him. Yet the entire time, she'd be moaning to herself about how misunderstood she is. (Can you hear my eyes rolling? I'm getting dizzy.)

I ended up giving the book a three star review for a couple reasons. One, I fully admit that I didn't do this book justice reading it in the wrong frame of mind. Two, Mr. Thornton. I did like him, even though I didn't fully understand him. And anyone who is willing to give people second chances and is willing to go into ruin himself just for honor is worth at least that much in a review. Three, the movie, which I haven't seen yet, but is a BBC mini-series, so it's probably awesome.

Now that I'm done, I would like to say... To all of my former friends, I still love you! :)(less)

12 likes · like · see review

Mar 06, 2011 JG (The Introverted Reader) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Pat and Rae

Recommended to JG (The Introverted Reader) by: Fiona

Shelves: own, fiction, 4_stars, author_british, classics, womens_fiction, on_the_screen, read_in_2011, reviewed, setting_uk

Margaret Hale is the daughter of a slightly-impoverished parson. She's been living as a companion to her wealthy cousin, but when that cousin gets married, she goes back to live with her parents. Shortly after the transition, her father announces that his beliefs have changed and he can no longer be a parson. He moves the family to Milton, a manufacturing town in the north of England. There, he works as a tutor for the wealthy men (both young and not-so-young) of the city.

Mr. Thornton, perhaps...more Margaret Hale is the daughter of a slightly-impoverished parson. She's been living as a companion to her wealthy cousin, but when that cousin gets married, she goes back to live with her parents. Shortly after the transition, her father announces that his beliefs have changed and he can no longer be a parson. He moves the family to Milton, a manufacturing town in the north of England. There, he works as a tutor for the wealthy men (both young and not-so-young) of the city.

Mr. Thornton, perhaps the wealthiest of the factory owners, becomes Mr. Hale's benefactor, favorite student, and friend. He spends quite a bit of time with the former parson and so gets to know Margaret. He falls for her beauty, intelligence, and grace almost from their first meeting. The same cannot be said of Margaret. She sees tradesmen as beneath her, perhaps because their work is more of a physical nature than an intellectual one. These are uneasy times in Milton. The workers want more money at a time when the "masters" see profits dropping and want to actually cut workers' wages. (Yes, cut wages. I can't say that I know much about unions, but they have an important place in our past and present.) Margaret gets to know a few workers' families and takes their side in any disagreements that arise. This of course leads to conflict between her and Mr. Thornton.

I really liked this. I didn't particularly love any of the characters, but I liked their stories, and I liked the social message that was worked into a love story. Or was it the love story that was worked into a social message?

The language and the romantic plot reminded me of Jane Austen. In fact, it reminded me a bit of Pride and Prejudice in that Margaret has such an intense dislike of Mr. Thornton right from the beginning, for no other reason than that he is a tradesman. Mr. Thornton, in his turn, appears to be a heartless factory owner who has no care for how his workers are living, but there is more to him than that.

There was quite a bit more action here than you would ever find in an Austen novel, however. Death after death (one, at least, even a violent death), proposals, a rioting mob--there really was a lot going on.

Margaret herself bothered me because she was such a snob. Her family barely had money to live on, but she thought she was better than rich Mr. Thornton, simply because he didn't inherit his money. She did unbend enough to help the poor factory workers, but it felt that there was a bit of condescension in her manner toward them. I do realize that I'm a 21st-century reader taking on a 19th-century book, but the descriptions of the squalor the workers lived in and how tacky it was for them to leave their washing out to dry irritated me. Poor does not necessarily equal dirty. And where else would they dry their laundry when there was barely enough room for all the family in the house?

Mr. Thornton bothered me with his attitude that the workers should know their place and their place was underneath him. He didn't really care if his workers had enough to live on. If they didn't, they needed to cut an expense here or there and then work their way up through the ranks. Clueless. When you're already barely feeding your family, there's no way to cut expenses.

I do realize that was largely the point of the novel. Gaskell was trying to show the conditions of the factories. By giving us these characters, she made it a more real situation.

Highly recommended for fans of Austen. (less)

5 likes · like · see review

Sep 18, 2007 Margaret rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: classic romantics

Elizabeth Gaskell was a friend of Charlotte Bronte and wrote at about the same time. The book was origonally published in parts in one of Dickons journals or magazines. After Charlotte Bronte read the first excerpt, she wasn't too keen on the story and thought it was just a discussion on religion. I don't remember what Bronte thought of the whole book, but the story received quite a bit of recognition when it came out.

The storyline is more intense than Pride and Prejudice, but not as dark and tw...more

6 likes · like · see review

Feb 17, 2013 Karen Booklover rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013-challenges

It was a really enjoyable book , though quite heavy and very slow to read!!

To be honest I will not try to review a classic because I don't think I will be able to do it justice but was very dissapointed with the very abrupt ending and the very little we saw of thornton :/:/

Buddy read with Blacky ,Tea, Cathy and Duchess Nicole !

Mr Thornton , here I come :D

8 likes · like · see review

Apr 30, 2012 Amy Sturgis rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 19th-century

Well, my days of thinking of Elizabeth Gaskell primarily as Charlotte Brontë's biographer are over.

North and South is a thoughtful meditation on the question of industrialization. Although it was originally published as a serial, it suffers none of the drawbacks of that medium; the action and characterizations unfold in a consistent and well-paced manner. Above and beyond the romance and period flavor is a novel of philosophical and economic import, asking when one should submit to authority and...more

2 likes · like · see review

Mar 26, 2012 Emma rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2-stars, classics, england, historical-fiction

Caution: Spoilers and Snark abound!

I’m afraid this review will not be popular with fans of the author, or those who see classic literature as unassailable. But after slogging through this book (especially so soon after discovering Villette, a truly excellent classic!), I feel obliged to warn potential readers, and let those who were disappointed with the book but wary about criticizing a classic know that they aren’t alone.

So, then: a recipe for North and South:

- Add one romantic plotline borrow...more

15 likes · like · see review

Nov 19, 2012 Bridget rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, 2012

(First reading 7 July 2010)
I had heard such varied opinions of this book I wasn't sure what to make of it. Then I started reading it and I could hardly put it down. I loved it. Sure, Margaret is a little too languid at times, and I learned more than I wanted to about 19th-century trade union practices, but on the whole, amazing. I liked it much better than Wives and Daughters (and I liked that one quite a bit).

I think having seen the BBC miniseries of N&S so many times helped because I had a...more

2 likes · like · see review

Sep 05, 2007 Ann Marie rated it 5 of 5 stars

I absolutely love this book. It is an interesting take on the differences between the industrial north and the rural south in the mid-nineteenth century. Mr. Thornton has become one of my favorite characters in literature. Since the (great) miniseries came out in 2004, many have compared Thornton to Austen's Darcy -- but I don't see it. Thornton is a self-made man, who can be pig-headed, but turns out to be quite progressive, forgiving and compassionate. It was heartening to read in Gaskell's le...more

7 likes · like · see review

Oct 05, 2012 Cristina rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites, book-club-2012, classics

Margaret Hale and her parents leave their idyllic home in Helstone and relocate to the manufacturing town of Milton-Northern. Margaret's father has renounced his position in the church and intends to earn a living as a private tutor. The Hales find adapting to life in Milton very difficult. They are befriended by a proud mill owner, John Thornton, and become familiar with the manufacturing way of life which includes strikes, starvation, and discord between the mill owners and mill workers.

I love...more

2 likes · like · see review

Aug 24, 2012 JoAnn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites

Why has it taken me so long to read an Elizabeth Gaskell novel? North and South is an excellent book with well-drawn characters, themes of class and religion, and a love story, too. I was initially reminded of Jane Austen (always a favorite), but as the novel progressed these themes were explored on a broader, more worldly scale. Also, although Gaskell was writing only several decades later than Austen, I was surprised to find her language much more accessible.

This was a combination read/listen...more

4 likes · like · see review

Aug 09, 2007 Jessica rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: classic-fiction

My favorite Gaskell novel. I really can't explain how much I love this story. The careful intertwining of political, religious, familial, and romantic conflicts and plotlines balance each other perfectly, in a way that few Victorian writers capture, much less women. Gaskell is brilliant, and writes a story that explores not only the social atmosphere of England at the time, but a convincing and vindicating love story as well. It's like socially conscious chick lit, which makes it something entir...more

5 likes · like · see review

Dec 06, 2011 Marnie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favourite-books

Il tanto agognato libro di Elizabeth Gaskell è arrivato in Italia. L'emozione nel ritrovarsi davanti a questo sublime mattoncino, è difficilmente esprimibile a parole. La raffinata copertina:la foto di una bambina davanti a un telaio, arriva dritta al cuore. Non è da meno la storia, che potrei definire un perenne gioco di contrasti.
I campi soleggiati del Sud, le fabbriche fumose del Nord. L'allegria e l'indolenza della gente del meridione, la serietà e preoccupazione sui volti contratti del sett...more Il tanto agognato libro di Elizabeth Gaskell è arrivato in Italia. L'emozione nel ritrovarsi davanti a questo sublime mattoncino, è difficilmente esprimibile a parole. La raffinata copertina:la foto di una bambina davanti a un telaio, arriva dritta al cuore. Non è da meno la storia, che potrei definire un perenne gioco di contrasti.
I campi soleggiati del Sud, le fabbriche fumose del Nord. L'allegria e l'indolenza della gente del meridione, la serietà e preoccupazione sui volti contratti del settentrione.
A beneficiare della cultura settentrionale dell'Inghilterra industriale di metà Ottocento, è Margaret Hale. Nata nella bella e sonnacchiosa Helstone (che come suppone l'operaio Higgins, si trova a Sud, "oltre Londra" ). Viene catapultata nella fumosa e sporca Milton, a causa di una crisi di fede del padre reverendo. La famiglia, nei suoi confronti, ha un atteggiamento altalenante, soprattutto dal parte del padre. La madre, addirittura, preferisce la cameriera a lei. Si ritrova il peso di dover tenere in piedi persone, che non la meritano, in un luogo, che è l'opposto di Helstone. Un luogo che fa paura.
Riesce a cambiare a fondo la mentalità di John Thornton, industriale dell'industria del cotone, che si è perdutamente innamorato di lei. Fa amicizia con Higgins e sua figlia, Bessy, portando le sue strampalate idee sudiste, tra gli operai scioperanti.
Margaret e Thornton sono due personaggi tormentati. Il loro amore nasce in circostanze particolari e penso sia una dei più belli, che abbia mai letto. Entrambi evolvono in modo diverso: lei, cambia idea sugli "uomini di bottega" e lui inizia a pensare ai suoi operai, non solo come mani "hands", ma anche come teste "heads".
Il personaggi di Thornton può addirittura competere con gli eroi Austeniani, a mio parere. Il suo cuore è un libro aperto e non si può non innamorarsi di lui.
La scrittura mi è parsa semplice, scorrevole e a tratti ironica (soprattutto sui pessimi parenti abbienti di Margaret: i londinesi).
Tutti i pezzi del mosaico del romanzo vanno al posto giusto. (less)

3 likes · like · see review

Jan 21, 2010 Michelle rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

North and South is a book that grows on you, even as you are still reading it. I’ll admit that my initial fear over a novel set primarily in a sooty Victorian-era manufacturing town (if it can be called a “fear”—let’s just say “literary nerd’s apprehension”) was that the novel would be too tinged with didacticism for my taste. Gloomy, a bit depressing, short on hopefulness, meant to present all the ills of an industrialized society in an emotional/sentimental way. But I was pleasantly surprised....more North and South is a book that grows on you, even as you are still reading it. I’ll admit that my initial fear over a novel set primarily in a sooty Victorian-era manufacturing town (if it can be called a “fear”—let’s just say “literary nerd’s apprehension”) was that the novel would be too tinged with didacticism for my taste. Gloomy, a bit depressing, short on hopefulness, meant to present all the ills of an industrialized society in an emotional/sentimental way. But I was pleasantly surprised. Gaskell definitely chooses some weighty themes to explore, but avoids the propaganda-ish feel. Perhaps it is her skillful intertwining of an absorbing storyline with these heavy themes that does the trick.

But since in almost all cases a plot summary is only half the story, so to speak—or even less than half—and since I happen to dislike writing such things—I’ll leave you in the wise care of dust jackets and book descriptions if a synopsis is what you’re looking for.

I surprise myself when I say that the word which repeatedly comes to mind as being appropriate to this novel is vivid. I don’t consider Gaskell a great master of description; there is little of poetry in her prose and I was a bit disappointed with the lack of musicality in her language. As far as setting goes, we never even see the inside of one of the town’s many factories (“manufactories” here—how quaint). And yet despite this, the settings do not fall flat; the characters are not lacking in development. Gaskell has the capability to make the reader intensely feel what her characters feel. We come to know their personalities—and there are plenty of vivid, complex characters—and more often than not, to sympathize with them. We get the sense that this story, written a century and a half ago, might have been life—real life. There is something I like in a story that doesn’t conclude with all the loose ends being tied up perfectly, miraculously. It adds to the sense of realism.

This is not to say that I find the ending quite satisfying. It feels condensed, rushed—I might even say overly stressful on the reader, if you’re the type that gets ridiculously into her reading material on occasion—and that, it seems, is a result of the novel having been serialized in its initial publication, and therefore constrained by page limits. There are areas of the plot that would certainly have benefited from having an extra chapter or few paragraphs. I can’t complain, though, about a plot that moves a bit too fast at times.

There is plenty in this novel to dig into, and if I still occupied my waking hours with writing such things, I would find a wealth of topics for a good ol’ English paper. Self-sacrifice, personal conscience and guilt, the definition of integrity, the fusion of opposites, first impressions, pride and humility, the meaning of “home”, adaptability to change…you get the idea. In all, North and South is a good way to tackle Gaskell, especially if you’re daunted by the length of her other novels.

Warning: If you are the sort of person who enjoys having the entire plot ruined by spoilers in the footnotes, then by all means read the Penguin Classics edition of this book. If not, however, I would advise you to stay far away from that particular version.
(less)

1 like · like · see review

May 06, 2013 Lady Draculia rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: beloved-books

E' un romanzo adattissimo a chi ha amato "Orgoglio e Pregiudizio": troviamo un intreccio magistralmente diretto tra una storia d'amore, mai sdolcinata, nata dalle diversità sociali mescolata ai conflitti industriali, scioperi, rivendicazioni sindacali e povertà. Ambientato in un periodo di trasformazioni, la Gaskell dipinge l'incontro-scontro di due mondi contrapposti mentalmente. Ogni pagina è un tumulto di emozioni, talvolta ironiche, altre assolutamente contemporanee. I personaggi sono forti,...more

1 like · like · see review

topics	posts	views	last activity
Thornton vs Darcy	45	162	Jun 09, 2013 07:20pm
North and South vs Pride and Prejudice	26	276	Jun 09, 2013 07:15pm
Elizabeth Gaskell: Are you Obsessed with North and South?	90	222	May 17, 2013 11:29am
book vs film	44	275	May 07, 2013 01:49pm
Women's Classic L...: North and South Week Four (April 3-9)	7	11	May 07, 2013 12:26pm
Women's Classic L...: North and South Week Three (March 27-April 2)	7	13	May 06, 2013 01:01pm
Women's Classic L...: North and South Week Six (April 17-23)	4	12	May 06, 2013 11:37am

title link	preview: North and South
avg rating	preview: North and South Goodreads rating: 4.11 (38653 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/159176.North_and_South?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348967680l/159176.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/159176.North_and_South?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell[/url]

North and South

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (136)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Elizabeth Gaskell

Books by Elizabeth Gaskell

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About North and South

Quotes from North and South