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ritawilbur's review against another edition
challenging
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I’m slightly underwhelmed, but that may be because I’ve heard too many comparisons to Pride and Prejudice. They are too entirely different books, and the comparison does injustice to both of them. N&S was a great exploration of class issues - in fact I’m surprised it was written early as it was. Gaskell does a fantastic job showing the aristocracy, the merchants, and the workers in their full humanity. She shows what is so admirable about the new world brought on by the Industrial Revolution - the way both merchants and workers are more self-sufficient and free - but she also cautions how they need to see their fate in common. That was so well done. Even the subplot of Frederick plays in to that, with the theme that seamen should have the right to mutiny against a captain who abuses his power. Gaskell was definitely ahead of her day.
But the romance was was rather oblique. It felt like the two lovers almost never had any direct conversation. They always observed each other at a bit of a distance, and were totally hampered by societal expectations about acceptable ways for them to interact. It was very frustrating. A and then the whole thing was resolved in literally the last two pages!
The constant succession of deaths became too much and finally started feeling like the way for the author to move the plot along.
There was much to admire in this novel, and it is well worth reading. But it does have some flaws.
But the romance was was rather oblique. It felt like the two lovers almost never had any direct conversation. They always observed each other at a bit of a distance, and were totally hampered by societal expectations about acceptable ways for them to interact. It was very frustrating. A and then the whole thing was resolved in literally the last two pages!
The constant succession of deaths became too much and finally started feeling like the way for the author to move the plot along.
There was much to admire in this novel, and it is well worth reading. But it does have some flaws.
cassiev1019's review against another edition
2.0
Like many time period epics, this one doesn't spend much time on any one plot. it does follow the same 2 families, but I couldn't get hooked.
ase126's review against another edition
challenging
dark
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
gisah's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
irene_chesnokova's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
krismoch's review against another edition
2.0
I was expecting more romance and drama, but instead there is a ton of expository paragraphs and lecture-type paragraphs on politics and the state of things at the time. I was a bit bored and I found the main character a bit too self-righteous for her own good. Not my favorite of period piece literature. Probably better off watching the BBC version of this book.
lynner416's review against another edition
5.0
It was one of the most amazing books ever. Jane Eyre, the count of monte cristo and north and south are now my favorite books.
sineadcarney's review against another edition
4.25
Love the settings, the diversity is characters (for it's time), and the ending. Not so much of a fan of the religious chat but again it's very of its time so not a major complaint. Living in the North of England it was great to read a period novel which encompassed a working class cast and gave the characters meaningful opinions and actions.
courtney_mons's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
An enduring classic for a reason! I found myself smiling while listening to this book. Mr. Thornton truly loved Margaret through the whole book!