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Liked It2 of 2 members found this review helpful “I really enjoyed this book. I was completely intrigued by the story line, though I was impatient with the pace. There are a great deal of similarities to Pride and Prejudice, but I find North and South to be more all-encompassing in its portrayal of English history, culture, and social mores. ...” see full review » see other reviews » |
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“Beautiful story.... as most romance stories are... Gaskell is one of the best post-Austen writers, though I could never really understand Miss Margret Hale as I did Miss Eliza Bennet. Mrs Thornton and John Thronton were perhaps the people who had the most livid character sketch. Mrs Thornton is the jealous, but not overpowering mother of John Thornton. John Thornton may initially seem rash, but is very down to earth and uncomplicated, very much unlike Miss Hale, who dwells on morality and idealism. However, Gaskell does a really good job comparing the North and South of England during the Industrial Era.”
Jagamya V wrote this review 11 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Awesome story and characters. Loved it.”
Pamela B wrote this review 13 days ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“ I liked this story. None of the characters are perfect. The tension between the two characters is great! It's like Pride and Prejudice meets Charles Dickens. I plan on reading more of her novels. Many of them have been made into films and are shown on Masterpiece Theater. Love it!”
Emily P wrote this review 4 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Intelligent, engaging and romantic”
StoryHeart wrote this review Saturday, December 5 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“I loved North and South! Elizabeth Gaskell was always so good at writing about the social issues of her time, and her writing, especially in North and South, so gets to the heart of the issues that it remains relevant in some respects even today.
Ann A wrote this review Thursday, November 5 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
The great concern of North and South was the effect of industrialization on the lives of both workers and industry owners; in fact on the lives of the town's inhabitants.
In North and South Gaskell did an outstanding job of writing a balanced view by presenting both the problems of the working class and the owners with a fair, even hand.
The novel's main character, Margaret Hale, is strong, courageous, and compassionate. I loved the romance between her and mill owner John Thornton. North and South has one of the most satisfying endings of any novel I've ever read.
Of course I highly recommend this book! It's just a fantastic read!
”
“AMAZING! I'm in LOVE with Elizabeth Gaskell!”
Daria w wrote this review Tuesday, October 27 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“After a long struggle, I finally finished reading my first of Gaskell's novels. After finishing, I'm still not sure why I had such a difficult time reading this novel, but it was only my inherent stubbornness that kept me from tossing this book back on the shelf months ago. I think what bothers me the most is that I can't really put my finger on what caused me such fits!
Hilarie wrote this review Wednesday, October 21 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
North and South is the story of Margaret Hale, the daughter of a clergyman with a living in the rural south of England during the Victorian age. Margaret's father suffers a loss of faith, and feels honor bound to leave the Church of England and resign his post. Margaret's father relocates the family to Milton, an industrial town in northern England, where he becomes a tutor of sorts. There Margaret learns firsthand of the suffering of those living and working in the factories of industrial England. She also becomes acquainted with John Thornton, the owner of a local fabric mill. Her initial distaste with Thornton turns gradually to respect as she comes to learn the true strength of his character, but misunderstandings seem to continually mount between them.
North and South is more than just a love story. It is also deals with some weighty themes, especially that of an individual's submission to authority, whatever it's form. When is it right to surrender your own will to that of another, or to the modes of the society you live in? I also found it fascinating that Gaskell was able to demonstrate that those in the rural south of England were not necessarily better off than those caught up in the industrial revolution of the north.
I really expected to love this book. It is in some ways, a more meaty version of Pride and Prejudice, which has long been a favorite of mine. The characters are well written, and I enjoyed the interaction between Margaret and John. I think that this book is a difficult read partially because of Gaskell's writing style. This is the kind of book that must be read carefully as if you miss a single word you might misunderstand an entire passage. I might try to read more Gaskell in the future, but for now, I'm taking a break.”
“A very dark romance. I really liked the characters, and the contrasts in locations!”
Katherine S wrote this review Tuesday, September 8 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
