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missbryden's review against another edition
5.0
It's a curious book considered in comparison to Gaskell's later more domestic stories in [b:Cranford|182381|Cranford|Elizabeth Gaskell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1375746052l/182381._SY75_.jpg|1016559] and [b:Wives and Daughters|383206|Wives and Daughters|Elizabeth Gaskell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1348267609l/383206._SY75_.jpg|816009]; more like a legal thriller (for lack of a better genre to compare) than expected, though [b:North and South|156538|North and South|Elizabeth Gaskell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1349633381l/156538._SY75_.jpg|1016482] has more of the same elements, but not the court room.
Also curious compared to her later writing of [b:The Life of Charlotte Brontë|31171|The Life of Charlotte Brontë|Elizabeth Gaskell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1168239259l/31171._SY75_.jpg|2698367].
This first novel of Gaskell's strongly discusses trials of poverty, factory work relations, murder, alcohol addiction and prostitution (if still in fairly Victorian language).
At the end an amazing example of christian forgiveness and personal confession and understanding of trespass.
Strongly recommend Tony Foster's audio reading, in addition to having a very pleasant voice and being from Manchester, he does the dialect speech without awkwardness.
Also curious compared to her later writing of [b:The Life of Charlotte Brontë|31171|The Life of Charlotte Brontë|Elizabeth Gaskell|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1168239259l/31171._SY75_.jpg|2698367].
This first novel of Gaskell's strongly discusses trials of poverty, factory work relations, murder, alcohol addiction and prostitution (if still in fairly Victorian language).
At the end an amazing example of christian forgiveness and personal confession and understanding of trespass.
Strongly recommend Tony Foster's audio reading, in addition to having a very pleasant voice and being from Manchester, he does the dialect speech without awkwardness.
simplycelestial's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
freddie's review against another edition
4.0
Reading this book was an incredible experience! I intentionally read this book slowly (1 chapter per day; there are 38 chapters altogether) and I felt very much immersed in the story. There is so much heart in this book and character motivations are very well-explored. The novel is a nice domestic fiction with strong social commentary (particularly concerning class differences and struggles) and psychological fiction angles.
scmiller's review against another edition
3.0
Though I understand it was just the ideology at the time, I got really sick of all the sexist, misogynistic language and insinuations. Women are frail delicate creatures, etc. etc. It got to the point where I just had to roll my eyes and continue on. BUT. I did enjoy the book. And there were some parts where I did laugh (out loud). They were subtle, but witty and clever.
daisyb's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
New must-read just dropped. Would be a very interesting comparative study with Adam Bede re: Hetty/Mary, verdict on emigration. Also shout out to Rhyl and Abergele.
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