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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
I grew weary of the inferences and references made to the society of the time. I think I was not in the best mood for a period piece. Would definitely recommend this to honors English students to get a feel for the life and times of women and the British sense of superiority in all things. Gaskell also wrote in the serialized fashion that Dickens did, and a discussion of how this affects the story is relevant, as well.
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Honestly I was a little disappointed with this one. This was a classic I was really looking forward to trying and, while I didn't hate it, I did find it a bit dull and I overall wasn't invested in the romance at all. I also really struggled with the parts of the story written in 'dialect', those parts of the story are very hard to read.
Classic a Month #12.2013
3.5 stars
I did enjoy reading this and there were great parts but on the whole, I felt it was pretty average. If I were describing this book to a potential date, it would be "sturdy constitution, decent upbringing, with impeccable manners." But don't let that discourage you! I would still recommend it and would probably even reread it at some point. Also, I feel like I missed out on a lot because I've never seen (or heard of) the BBC series and this is definitely a book that would (does?) work well as a television show.
Read my full review here!
3.5 stars
I did enjoy reading this and there were great parts but on the whole, I felt it was pretty average. If I were describing this book to a potential date, it would be "sturdy constitution, decent upbringing, with impeccable manners." But don't let that discourage you! I would still recommend it and would probably even reread it at some point. Also, I feel like I missed out on a lot because I've never seen (or heard of) the BBC series and this is definitely a book that would (does?) work well as a television show.
Read my full review here!
Me gustó mucho, Elizabeth Gaskell es súper ingeniosa y definitivamente esta MUY adelantada a su época.
Amo que usara una novela romántica dirigida al público femenino de su época (y además publicado por entregas en una revista) para poder hablar de las diferencias entre obreros y patrones en las nuevas ciudades industriales, los derechos y las huelgas, así como meterle un poco de crítica a la pequeña burguesía sureña y londinense insinuando su despropósito y que su vida era aburrida.
Todo esto a través de los ojos de Margaret Hale, una chica de 19 años nacida en el campo al sur de Inglaterra y después cuidada por su tía algunos años en Londres, que se muda con sus padres a la ficticia ciudad de Milton (inspirada en Manchester), donde ella conoce de primera mano a la clase obrera de las nuevas fábricas, pero también a los nuevos ricos, osea los patrones.
No diré spoilers pero la pobre de Margaret debe atravesar por muchas cosas difíciles a tan corta edad, pero ella es muy inteligente y observadora, lo que siempre hace que las personas la ayuden.
El final de la historia le hace justicia al drama que buscamos en la novelas románticas victorianas, pero a la vez es muy gracioso en los diálogos. Me encantó.
Amo que usara una novela romántica dirigida al público femenino de su época (y además publicado por entregas en una revista) para poder hablar de las diferencias entre obreros y patrones en las nuevas ciudades industriales, los derechos y las huelgas, así como meterle un poco de crítica a la pequeña burguesía sureña y londinense insinuando su despropósito y que su vida era aburrida.
Todo esto a través de los ojos de Margaret Hale, una chica de 19 años nacida en el campo al sur de Inglaterra y después cuidada por su tía algunos años en Londres, que se muda con sus padres a la ficticia ciudad de Milton (inspirada en Manchester), donde ella conoce de primera mano a la clase obrera de las nuevas fábricas, pero también a los nuevos ricos, osea los patrones.
No diré spoilers pero la pobre de Margaret debe atravesar por muchas cosas difíciles a tan corta edad, pero ella es muy inteligente y observadora, lo que siempre hace que las personas la ayuden.
El final de la historia le hace justicia al drama que buscamos en la novelas románticas victorianas, pero a la vez es muy gracioso en los diálogos. Me encantó.
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
If you read one classic this year, I'd recommend this one! It's lovely
North and South offers a fantastic cure for anyone who is looking for something similar to Jane Austen´s stories for in many ways this is kind of like "Pride and Prejudice in an industrialized town". And there´s nothing wrong with that, it was fascinating how more serious matters were studied in the midst of the complicated relationships. Without the strikes, the common workers and the other fresh view points this would have been just a mediocre book. But thankfully I was really interested in all that, and it helped not to put too much weight on the few really awkward scenes, dialog and plot points - especially the very ending. Plus I did love the main character and found the relationship drama to be really entertaining.
Is there anything more romantic than gaining a controlling stake in your beloved's business... I doubt it.
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes