This is a classic I've been interested in for years and I'm pleased I've actually finally read it. It did take me a long time to read because it's very slow paced at times but it's a good story and I always wanted to pick it up again. It's also a really interesting examination of social issues, many of which are still relevant today. I thought Margaret and Mr Thornton's relationship was well developed and I enjoyed the way Gaskell wrote from both of their perspectives. 

One of the best books I have read this year. 

A simply wonderful book, narated brilliantly by Juliet Stevenson. I would say that this sits at the mid point between Austin and Dickens. Not as bleak as Dickens but not as light and fluffy as Austin.

It has absolutely everything Comedy, Tragedy, Industrial Unrest Classism and Romace. Oh the romance and kindness. All written with such lightness of touch. 

I never put my self down as someone who could be blown away by a Victorian novel as much as a contemporary one but I now have. 

Please anyone who carers about the world both then and now reaad or listen to masterpiece.

4.5 stars!

Overall, I adored this book. Gaskell is a master of her craft, and her novel makes many important and valuable points about how the relationship between industrial heads and their workers were flawed and complex, and highlights the idea of disconnection between the two groups and a lack of understanding of each other's points of view as one of the main roots of these problems. In this way, she is more skilled than Charles Dickens at pointing out the immorality of the social order. The character of Margaret Hale grew on me and kept me engaged to see how she would develop, and it weaves in moments of subtle feminism throughout.

One thing it is important to remember about this book is that it's a product of its time, and thus I only agree with some, not all, of its politics. Additionally, some of the phrasing, particularly describing the actions and words of John Thornton, could have been better. For example, at one point, he compares his reaction to seeing Margaret upset at one point to the stinging pleasure a mother feels when she is able to comfort an infant. I think I understood what Gaskell was talking about, but the phrasing there made me slightly uncomfortable.

As for John Thornton himself, I can safely say that I vehemently hated him at the beginning of the book; straight up, he was a very cruel mill owner. Ultimately, he did have a very strong growth arc throughout the book, and became a MUCH better and much more likable person by changing his mindset, practices, and behaviors (I could have gone for a bit more groveling on Thornton's part, though).

The ending was good, but felt very rushed and not wholly satisfying, which Gaskell makes an apologetic note about at the beginning of the book, so I accepted that. 

Overall, an impactful and thought-provoking read with strong characters, important social messages, a breath-taking romance, and a plot that keeps you hooked from beginning to end. Well done, Miss Gaskell! Would recommend.

There's a lot of interesting stuff here, but it felt a little lukewarm overall, in both the politics and the romance. I did love the last few lines, though.

While I wouldn't categorize North and South under a label so simple as "Pride and Prejudice with labor disputes" I can't deny that they're somewhat in the same vein, though the former focuses more on the labor dispute part than the Pride and Prejudice part. But it is a funny comparison.

In all honesty, I haven't grown up knowing of any of Elizabeth Gaskell's classic works. My classic knowledge isn't extensive, but North and South is right up my alley so I'm surprised that we haven't crossed paths until now.

With all of the multifaceted subjects this novel addresses, it really is quite easy to understand. I still cross referenced chapters with analyses, just to confirm that I wasn't missing anything, but the only parts that I had some issue deciphering were the dialogues presented in Darkshire dialect; the content not being so hard to digest as the slang itself.

I must say, though it wasn't necessarily the main focus of the story, I did love the romance. I appreciate that Gaskell chose to show Thornton's perspective, rather than keeping her readers in the dark. I do love a good one-sided slow burn full of yearning. I only wish that the last chapter had been a bit longer. Though, now that I've finished the original work I'm sure I'll throw myself into the 2004 BBC miniseries to satisfy any of my lingering desires.