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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
I love how each time I read this book I pick up something new. I think it helped that I watched the movie as I read the book. Margaret's character in the book is somewhat different than that of the one in the movie. I'm torn between the two. I like portions of both, but I don't just love one character. And Thornton, mmm I love him more each time I read the book. He's such a strong but silent character. This time around I really understood more about him especially when it came to how he gained the respect of others but didn't hold it over anyone. He deserves the respect, but he doesn't demand it. I love the end and how realistic it is. Of course in the movie that is sweet and so ideal, but in the book it just fits. I think it's the perfect ending I just love it. It's the way I imagined them getting together.
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
“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.” The book ends rather abruptly. There is no last chapter where the life of Margaret and Mr.Thorton is described as a happily ever after. There is not even a kiss shared between them, but there is a deep bond, beautifully portrayed by Gaskell throughout the novel. Margaret is written in such a way that makes her feel alive, and she herself is a wonderful character. I often found myself relating to her, and sympathizing with her as I’d do with a real person. Reading this book, I’m surprised by how the romance wasn’t my favorite part of it all. In Jane Eyre, for me, the tumultuous relationship between Jane and Mr.Rochester was what fueled my love for the book. In North & South, however, the portrayal of the world and the people Margaret finds herself interacting with make the book fun. Even with this praise, I do think there should’ve been more between Mr.Thorton and Margaret. I saw more chemistry between Mr.Lennox and Margaret, personally.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Why isn't this more popular?! Like Jane Austen but if Jane Austen was interested in social justice.
I can't believe I've never read (or heard of) Elizabeth Gaskell before now! I absolutely loved this book and can't wait to read more! I loved the writing style, it was beautifully done and the characters (even a lot of the side characters) were so fleshed out and likable. I really enjoyed the love story (similar to Pride and Prejudice in many ways) but I loved the setting and all the plot we got from that with the factory workers and how much the love interests were able to change each other's views on that subject by the end. I also loved the themes that came along with that and especially loved the theme of change and being able to move along with change. Overall, it left me exactly how a classic should.
Gaskell’s writing is superb (some passages were so full of emotion I loved them) but this book is so lengthy. In any case I’m glad I read this. There were only a few modifications in the BBC miniseries.
I really enjoyed the character development and the rich use of colloquial dialogue. A beautiful book I think. It was a bit slow at times but it reflects life in that sense, that things aren’t always dramatic. Sometimes life drags on. Not in a boring way, Gaskell managed to convey that reality of life. I’m glad to have discovered a new author I enjoy, this being the second Gaskell book I’ve read, after Wives and Daughters.
Me ha gustado mucho más de lo que esperaba y hasta me he divertido con este romanticismo que se me hace tan extraño... En este episodio del podcast Librorum os cuento más (SIEMPRE SIN SPOILERS):
https://sons.red/2018/10/02/18-norte-y-sur-elizabeth-gaskell/
https://sons.red/2018/10/02/18-norte-y-sur-elizabeth-gaskell/