Guest Book Review: North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

If you are a fan of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice or Sense and Sensibility, then you will love North and South.This is not a book about the American Civil War. Instead, it is about a woman’s journey from the languid South of England to the fast-paced, polluted North.

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Margaret’s journey to love is one of twists and turns. Like Pride and Prejudice there are mistaken first impressions, dismissed proposals, and interfering relatives. Unlike Austen’s works, however, Gaskell gives the readers a glimpse into the love interest’s world as well. Mr. Thornton is a fully flesh character, not an outline seen only through the protagonist’s eyes. His struggles make him a deep and compelling character.

Also unlike Austen, Gaskell’s novel delves into a deeper subtext. Class wars, unions, and strikes are rife. Margaret sees the other side of life through her friendship with a union leader’s dying daughter. The relationship that grows between the mourning father and Margaret is one of the most powerful in the novel. Even Mr. Thornton’s mother is a complex character, who influences the actions of the novel as much as anyone.

If you are not interested in reading the sometimes slow paced and wordy Elizabethan novel, then feel free to check out the BBC adaption. It is a well-done and mostly accurate portrayal of the novel, with top-rate acting. The beginning is a bit slow but full of great images, and the end is well worth the time it takes to get there!

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 Author  Byline:

Monta the mother of three children serves as an Expert Advisor on multiple household help issues to many Organizations and groups, and is a mentor for other “Mom-preneurs” seeking guidance.  She is a regular contributor of “elder care jobs”.  You can get in touch with her at montafleming6Atgmail dotcom