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lorj 's review for:

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
2.5
challenging slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

It was incredibly challenging to understand the speech of the Higgins family.

The book has very similar themes to Pride and Prejudice which is a much better book and I think P&P did a better job of showing character growth.

I don't think the writing style of this era is for me. It very much felt like there were 5 words for every 1 actually needed and as a result I was quite bored at times.

I did enjoy the yearning and angst on the part of Mr Thornton. I feel like the intention was to show that Margaret had grown to love and appreciate the northern miller folk but I don't feel there were many incidents to encourage this save for her relationship with the Higgins, the Bouchers and conversations with Mr Thornton.

The ending was also a major disappointment. I had hoped for a big romantic reunion but it was rushed and unfeeling.