Cranford Chapter I, II, III

[Ellen]

I think Gaskell is pretty clear: women have their faults but in the end, they're sturdier and more moral than men. Men are not really necessary (other than for the perhaps unfortunate need for reproduction) to run a well-functioning society.

[Marialyce]

So you think our author is a feminist?

[Ellen]

Of a sort, yes. Women are portrayed as catty and snobbish and judgmental but ultimately guided by a deep morality & able to fend for themselves-or at least each other.

[[deleted user]]

I've finally got to join you and started reading book this weekend. I'm kind of enjoying it, but I admit I'm having some problems with it. I'm finding it funny to read as a collection of short stories, but in case there is a long plot covering all book, I'm missing it. Maybe I'm having problems to adjust to the book. For the moment I really like Miss Matty, but I wished the Captain Brown could stay. I found him really charming character.
I know it's bit out of topic, but this book is reminding me a lot of film "Widows' Peak" http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0111712/ for the theme of a rural society ruled by women.. now I'm so looking forward to get to watch BBC version of Cranford!

[Ellen]

It is very episodic-almost more 18th than 19th century in that way but once I adjusted my expectations I was fine with it.

I normally would not be interested in seeing a televised version of something I enjoyed reading but the cast looks sensational so I think I will.

[Sasha]

Antia, a plot sortof...develops in hindsight? Not much of one, but a little.