The verdict is in: I read Elizabeth Gaskell's 1948 novel North and South and loved it. Loved, loved, loved it!
Not only that, it is even better than the movie, that gorgeous dramatic masterpiece. It will go down as one of my favorite books of all time. I loved Gaskell's exploration of human nature, our inherent distrust of the "other" and yet, our innate goodness. I love how she profiled the little idiosyncrasies in human nature {much in Austen fashion}. And, as should be a true marker of good literature, the story is incredibly relevant today. I couldn't help but see a mirror of the economic hardships of our time and the heated push and pull between "classes" that often results in hardship for everyone {think GM and Chrysler, bankruptcy and unions}. The love story at the heart of the book is but a metaphor for the broader themes Gaskell explores. And, N&S is refreshingly redemptive, as is the case with much Victorian literature. I won't spoil the ending, but the writing is immensely gripping and satisfying.
I can't wrap this up without mentioning John Thornton and my love for him that is slightly bordering on obsession. Thornton in the book? Even more intelligent and passionate than the movie version. Believe it! I love how Gaskell layered his personality and, alongside Margaret, we get to discover the heart behind the broody exterior. I hate always to bring up the Austen comparisons {only because I know every self-respecting, red-blooded woman has read her} but John Thornton is like Mr. Darcy unchecked. Mr. Darcy with raw emotion. Move over, indeed.
Not to leave the book's heroine out in the cold, Margaret Hale is refreshingly modern! She's strong and outspoken and unafraid. I love that she is portrayed as incredibly moral and able to engage when her opinions are challenged.
And while we're on the topic: Why in Victorian British literature has no one heard of Gaskell, yet everyone's read the Bronte sisters {Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights} and Charles Dickens. You've probably even heard about George Eliot {pen name for Marian Evans} and most definitely Robert Louis Stevenson. And William Thackeray {Vanity Fair, anyone?}. And Lewis Carroll. But Gaskell has somehow fallen off the map for the general public, and it is my mission to galavanize you intelligent book readers out there to go and read her books. At the very least, watch the BBC Masterpiece Theatre adaptations.
Post-Edit: It's worth mentioning that I racked up some overdue charges since I couldn't bear to part with my copy. I apologize to all those on the wait list! I finally bought this book for my library.
Not only that, it is even better than the movie, that gorgeous dramatic masterpiece. It will go down as one of my favorite books of all time. I loved Gaskell's exploration of human nature, our inherent distrust of the "other" and yet, our innate goodness. I love how she profiled the little idiosyncrasies in human nature {much in Austen fashion}. And, as should be a true marker of good literature, the story is incredibly relevant today. I couldn't help but see a mirror of the economic hardships of our time and the heated push and pull between "classes" that often results in hardship for everyone {think GM and Chrysler, bankruptcy and unions}. The love story at the heart of the book is but a metaphor for the broader themes Gaskell explores. And, N&S is refreshingly redemptive, as is the case with much Victorian literature. I won't spoil the ending, but the writing is immensely gripping and satisfying.
I can't wrap this up without mentioning John Thornton and my love for him that is slightly bordering on obsession. Thornton in the book? Even more intelligent and passionate than the movie version. Believe it! I love how Gaskell layered his personality and, alongside Margaret, we get to discover the heart behind the broody exterior. I hate always to bring up the Austen comparisons {only because I know every self-respecting, red-blooded woman has read her} but John Thornton is like Mr. Darcy unchecked. Mr. Darcy with raw emotion. Move over, indeed.
Not to leave the book's heroine out in the cold, Margaret Hale is refreshingly modern! She's strong and outspoken and unafraid. I love that she is portrayed as incredibly moral and able to engage when her opinions are challenged.
And while we're on the topic: Why in Victorian British literature has no one heard of Gaskell, yet everyone's read the Bronte sisters {Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights} and Charles Dickens. You've probably even heard about George Eliot {pen name for Marian Evans} and most definitely Robert Louis Stevenson. And William Thackeray {Vanity Fair, anyone?}. And Lewis Carroll. But Gaskell has somehow fallen off the map for the general public, and it is my mission to galavanize you intelligent book readers out there to go and read her books. At the very least, watch the BBC Masterpiece Theatre adaptations.
Post-Edit: It's worth mentioning that I racked up some overdue charges since I couldn't bear to part with my copy. I apologize to all those on the wait list! I finally bought this book for my library.
