Book Review: North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
Let’s talk about
classics today!
I am sure you
know the author, Elizabeth Gaskell. In fact, she is the creator of the famous
novel, Wives and Daughters.
But this novel,
North and South, which I am reviewing is less well-known than the other one.
North and South
by Elizabeth Gaskell is a classic novel that offers a look at the social and
economic divides of Victorian England.
Summary
The story
centers around Margaret Hale, a young woman from the south of England who was
forced to move to the industrial north with her family.
There, she was
confronted with the harsh realities of life for the working class, as well as
the tensions between the workers and the wealthy mill owners.
She also
experienced a complicated love life with a man named John Thornton.
Along the way,
she learnt to navigate these complex social and economic dynamics as well as
her love/hate relationship with the man and found her own place in the world.
Suitable Audience
Suitable for
readers who are interested in class relationships, racial relationships and the
industrial revolution, North and South offers a unique perspective on the
Victorian era and the issues that continue to resonate with us today.
My Thoughts
The novel explores not just the relationship between the two main characters, Margaret and John, but also their relationships with others in their society such as family, friends, and the working class.
I appreciated how the book addressed social issues such as class, race, religion, and industrialization.
I also enjoyed seeing how the characters learned from each other and made changes in their relationships.
However, I did have some issues with the book's transitions and wished for a more detailed epilogue.
But there is no doubt that North and South is a memorable work of Elizabeth Gaskell.
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