Reviews

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

carriedoodledoo's review against another edition

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4.0

squEEEEE! My goodness, this is like Pride and Prejudice only less catty, and with more economic/social theory. I enjoyed it quite a lot, only I wanted more Mr. Thornton/Margaret action. I about fell over at the conclusion of Book 1!

megnavoy's review against another edition

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5.0

Absolutely loved it!! Perfect for anyone looking for a Jane Austen adjacent style novel with a socialist flair

elfsara's review

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emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

molly_2435's review against another edition

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dark reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

margarets_reads's review against another edition

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5.0

Will be having my wedding bouquet be made of Helstone roses

damacyroll's review against another edition

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dark informative reflective slow-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

An exceptionally fascinating glimpse into the social world of Victorian England. Amidst a romance grown from mutual dislike is an interesting social commentary of the prejudices between workers and masters of cotton mills in the north of England. The pace meanders at times, probably due to its original format as a serialized story, but I really grew to like the romantic development and social commentary within the novel. There are many similarities between this plot and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austin, which made contributed to me liking the book so quickly. Perhaps less humorous than Austin, and for those that enjoy discussions and depictions of the hard life of the common people in Victorian England, this is for you!

dhall58's review against another edition

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emotional funny informative reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

mayke's review against another edition

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4.0

This is my first Gaskell read and I'm happy to say I'd love to read more. The book is great for readers struggling with the language of classics, becasue it's so easy to read and follow. I read along with an audiobook on Youtube and that made it even easier to understand.

The book also felt relatable in certain aspects. For example the social issues and topics of strike aren't that uncommon these days.

The only negative is for me the lack of Margarat and Thornton at the end. It feels to me there could have been more to them getting together. Their story felt incomplete at the end.

ambipure's review

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emotional hopeful reflective sad slow-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

4.5

alicesanga's review against another edition

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informative reflective slow-paced

3.25