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taetris 's review for:
North and South
by Elizabeth Gaskell
I listened to this on a podcast called "Craftlit", where the host, Heather, gives information on some of the old-timey stuff in each chapter in advance and then does a book talk about it at the end. She also provided some background on the author. I could not always share Heathers gushing enthusiasm for the book, but I do think this is my favourite classical literature piece to date.
The extra info and depth the podcast provided might have made a big difference, but I also thought there were really witty and almost modern scenes and lines of dialogue. Both Margaret and Thornton are interesting and strong characters, though a bit too morally white for my liking.
Like all books from this era, it is a bit wordy and long for the modern ear, which also partly stems from the fact that it appeared in Dickens' journal household words. Also, I am sometimes a bit impatient with the propriety and class themes that are so all-encompassing in novels from this era.
The extra info and depth the podcast provided might have made a big difference, but I also thought there were really witty and almost modern scenes and lines of dialogue. Both Margaret and Thornton are interesting and strong characters, though a bit too morally white for my liking.
Like all books from this era, it is a bit wordy and long for the modern ear, which also partly stems from the fact that it appeared in Dickens' journal household words. Also, I am sometimes a bit impatient with the propriety and class themes that are so all-encompassing in novels from this era.