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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
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:
No
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
My two month long journey has finally come to an end! Gaskell’s “North and South” felt like quite the undertaking in my endeavor to get into the classics but I was determined to get through this one.
At its core this book is about class division and social justice during the Industrial Revolution. Admittedly, I’m not sure I was able to fully grasp the commentary on unions and labor strikes that North and South is known for, but I also feel like the story offered something for everyone: it was dense but relatively easy to follow, full of vivid descriptions of suffering and rebellion, all delicately interwoven with a classic slow burn (emphasis on the slow) enemies to lovers trope.
I learned a lot about England while reading, especially though Gaskell’s fictionalized Manchester (or “Milton”), which made me think of my friend Ella <3
Looking forward to watching the BBC adaptation at some point!!
At its core this book is about class division and social justice during the Industrial Revolution. Admittedly, I’m not sure I was able to fully grasp the commentary on unions and labor strikes that North and South is known for, but I also feel like the story offered something for everyone: it was dense but relatively easy to follow, full of vivid descriptions of suffering and rebellion, all delicately interwoven with a classic slow burn (emphasis on the slow) enemies to lovers trope.
I learned a lot about England while reading, especially though Gaskell’s fictionalized Manchester (or “Milton”), which made me think of my friend Ella <3
Looking forward to watching the BBC adaptation at some point!!
This has been on my to read list a long time. I really really wanted to love it. I didn't. Maybe I should have watched the TV series first so I went into it with a better understanding of the characters.
I found it hard going. Also, a ridiculous amount of people around Margaret die in a short period of time. It was much better than, say, The Golden Bowl, but I didn't find myself enjoying it.
I found it hard going. Also, a ridiculous amount of people around Margaret die in a short period of time. It was much better than, say, The Golden Bowl, but I didn't find myself enjoying it.
This book was recommended to me by a friend because I love Pride and Prejudice. it seemed more of a How Green was my Valley kind of book than like Pride and Prejudice. There was more death and grief in it than I can handle right now.
My first Elizabeth Gaskell book, and I really enjoyed it. I loved witnessing Margaret's change from a pampered girl who was taken care of in every way to a woman acquainted with grief and suffering, one with empathy. Her eyes were really opened when she moved to the industrial town of Milton.
Mr. Thornton is not your typical romantic lead, but I enjoyed getting a peek underneath his gruff exterior at the tenderness within (perhaps awakened by Margaret?).
Really interesting characters.
Mr. Thornton is not your typical romantic lead, but I enjoyed getting a peek underneath his gruff exterior at the tenderness within (perhaps awakened by Margaret?).
Really interesting characters.
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Brilliantly written, highlighting once more the plight of the "haves" and the "have not's". The love story between John and Margaret is beautiful and the understanding that comes with listening and discourse is a wonderful thing to read about. Very similar to Dickens' Hard Times. Both equally powerful. Margaret Hale is a strong character, who is relevant even by today's standards.