From the Bookshelf of Reading 1001…

*** 1/2

I have never been fond of Victorian literature (apart from Dickens maybe); I often find the style too heavy, even pompous to read. And I have to admit I was apprehensive before starting to read this novel. However, Mary Barton provided me with a nice surprise. First, the setting in the harsh living conditions of the lower Manchester working class at the dawn of unionism and Marxism. Second, the frequent use of local dialects (once you get used to them), yielding authenticity to the scene

*** 1/2

I have never been fond of Victorian literature (apart from Dickens maybe); I often find the style too heavy, even pompous to read. And I have to admit I was apprehensive before starting to read this novel. However, Mary Barton provided me with a nice surprise. First, the setting in the harsh living conditions of the lower Manchester working class at the dawn of unionism and Marxism. Second, the frequent use of local dialects (once you get used to them), yielding authenticity to the scene and the characters. Third, a tragic love triangle interweaved with the struggle between the haves and have nots. Of course, there was still that Victorian turn of phrase that I don't like, but all in all, a pleasant read. It reminded me a lot of Germinal by Zola. Some say North and South is even better; can't wait to read it.