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mira_the_book_dragon's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Chronic illness, Classism, Death of parent, and Death
mal_eficent's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
That said, I don't always get on with Gaskell's writing style. Sometimes I found myself flicking back a page or rereading a paragraph to figure out what was going on in the poetic phrasing and long, winding sentences. On the whole the writing is more practical and full of less tangents than an Austen, and it is always at least relevant to the immediate characters and setting. It's a beautiful way of writing that had me enthralled for most of the novel – even if it was a bit too religious for my tastes.
The events deviated quite a lot from the TV series in the second half, I felt, which left me feeling a little bit lost at times. I was expecting events and conversations that never came which in turn made things seem a little bit dull. In some ways it left me wanting. No exhibition where Maragret learnt some appreciation for machinery, all we got was some subtle thought pieces.
The ending, however, with it's bright and sudden punch of character, I enjoyed much more than the TV series which suffered quite badly from the slow, modern romantic haze I can't stand. It ended the book on a high note that made me happy for characters I loved. If you can stand an older writing style, it's a very compelling romance and I'll definitely be binge watching the series to compare it to the book properly.
Graphic: Chronic illness, Misogyny, Death of parent, and Classism
Minor: Police brutality and Death
kelly04's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Suicide
Moderate: Classism and Chronic illness
Minor: Death of parent and Injury/Injury detail
literature's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
With all the hate of inactivity Margaret expressed, she rarely ever pushed herself to do anything daring or go beyond Harley Street unless assisted by- or at the whim of- somebody else. She rushed to visit Mr. Bell, but never attempted going, or at the very least, expressed a wish to go to her father's funeral. Surely, she would realistically be urged to go, no matter how weak she felt (admittedly, I am unsure how inconvenient or possible it would have been to travel to Oxford as a young lady during that time, but to not even imply an attempt or a desire to go is a sure sign of a character being too one-track-minded and plot-driven).
Honestly, my favorite interactions were of Margaret with Bessy and/or Mr. Higgins, and of Mr. Higgins with Mr. Thornton.
She never even visited her brother and Dolores. I thought that would've been interesting and fun to read, especially with Frederick becoming a merchant and all. Margaret's interactions with Dolores would've been so cute, I imagine.
Minor: Chronic illness
naomi_k's review against another edition
- 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
4.5
Moderate: Sexism, Death of parent, Chronic illness, Classism, Death, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicide, Xenophobia, and Religious bigotry
mwanamkembaya's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Moderate: Xenophobia, Chronic illness, Death of parent, Death, and Suicide
Minor: Religious bigotry
lydiavsbooks's review against another edition
- 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
Firstly, Margaret frigidy frackin' Hale. Wow, amazing, incredible, I love her so much. I would say she needs protecting at all costs but by the end of the book that gal can protect herself. Damn.
Praise number two: the vibes. Helstone, beautiful.
Next up, socialism. Erm 1850s? Incredible. So good, the strikes, the contrast of the North and the South, the contrast of classes. Perfect. And once again, Margaret I'dgivehermykidneys Hale.
The character development, mainly enjoying watching Margaret slowly turning up the sass levels, but Thornton too, fabulous.
Honestly I just felt giddy the whole time reading this, every day I picked this up: instant good day. I have no criticisms, this book is perfect.
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Chronic illness, Death of parent, and Suicide
Minor: Alcoholism, Death, and Sexism
tuesdayangel's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Chronic illness and Terminal illness
gracescanlon's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Graphic: Misogyny, Death of parent, Terminal illness, Death, Grief, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Alcohol, Suicide, Sexism, Mental illness, Injury/Injury detail, Gun violence, Classism, and Violence
Minor: Alcoholism
lara_bk's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Violence, Terminal illness, Suicide, Grief, and Chronic illness
Moderate: Alcohol and Alcoholism
Minor: Injury/Injury detail