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A review by thebookboy
The Moorland Cottage by Elizabeth Gaskell
5.0
I simple adore Gaskell's writing, and The Moorland Cottage contains many of the elements that make her work's such a delight to readers old and new.
Focusing on the inhabitants of the Moorland Cottage and their relationship with the rich Mr. Buxton and his family, this novel is, in essence, a rather nice, quiet romance that feels similar to that found in Mansfield Park and Jane Eyre (but ultimately less problematic than both of those examples).
Maggie, a meek, yet quite pretty girl, is our heroine. And while she may initially seem clumsy, shy and a bit of a wet blanket, as the story goes on her esolve is admirable. I think she's very much a Fanny Price 2.0, but far more sympathetic, interesting and courageous in her own way.
I loved the book's final act too - a surprisingly tense and dramatic scene that adds a much-needed sense of threat and adventure to the plot which could otherwise have drifted into a bit of a plodding finale.
A must-read for Gaskell fans. It's also the basis for the Tom Hiddlestone part of the TV adaptation for Cranford (series 2, Return to Cranford) if that adds further appeal!
Focusing on the inhabitants of the Moorland Cottage and their relationship with the rich Mr. Buxton and his family, this novel is, in essence, a rather nice, quiet romance that feels similar to that found in Mansfield Park and Jane Eyre (but ultimately less problematic than both of those examples).
Maggie, a meek, yet quite pretty girl, is our heroine. And while she may initially seem clumsy, shy and a bit of a wet blanket, as the story goes on her esolve is admirable. I think she's very much a Fanny Price 2.0, but far more sympathetic, interesting and courageous in her own way.
I loved the book's final act too - a surprisingly tense and dramatic scene that adds a much-needed sense of threat and adventure to the plot which could otherwise have drifted into a bit of a plodding finale.
A must-read for Gaskell fans. It's also the basis for the Tom Hiddlestone part of the TV adaptation for Cranford (series 2, Return to Cranford) if that adds further appeal!