I don’t read classics too often but this book reminded me why I should. The characters and story were so well done. I was actually reacting at some parts with the same emotion I would a romance novel written in the modern day and yet it has layers of social, economic, and religious themes that make it the longstanding classic that it is. Would recommend. 

I really enjoyed NORTH AND SOUTH, but not quite as much as earlier this year, when I read it during a fifteen hour bus journey. It turns out when I have other books to read, and other stuff to do, this wasn't QUITE so charming. But that's okay.

NORTH AND SOUTH is the story of Margaret Hale murdering everyone in her life and her romance with the one man she can't kill. Joking aside, there is a LOT of death in this book. I won't spoil who dies, but be prepared.

I like Margaret, even though she's a snob and a bit of a white knight to the working-class who don't know better. I like John, too, though he's a capitalist pig. They're very realistically and humanly depicted.

I don't have anything to say about Mr Hale except that he can suck my dick. The man is a menace.

Likeability aside, I do question the politics of almost everyone in this novel. It's like the conventions of writing a romance (though of course it's not a modern romance) constrained ELIZABETH GASKELL. Or perhaps her desire to be even-handed. You can be even-handed and point out that one side is the good one, I promise! Higgins is somewhat sympathetically drawn, but even so, he still needs to learn the lesson that Thornton knows what he's doing as master, and I just don't agree! 

The thing that is best about NORTH AND SOUTH (and I promise this is a compliment!) is that it's many better books stitched together. There's elements of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE, JANE EYRE, I even detect some THE TENANT OF WILDFELL HALL in there. But the ability to makes this all hang together is a skill in itself, I would argue.

Anyway, I enjoyed it, but: Dickens was right about the title! Sorry not sorry.

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.

I'm not usually a big reader of classics so, even though I loved the series, I expected to struggle with this but oh boi I could not have been more wrong. This might genuinely be my new favourite book...of all time. 

Firstly, Margaret frigidy frackin' Hale. Wow, amazing, incredible, I love her so much. I would say she needs protecting at all costs but by the end of the book that gal can protect herself. Damn.

Praise number two: the vibes. Helstone, beautiful. Manchester  Milton, the atmosphere of the Northern industrial town, the factories, the poverty. Mmmm

Next up, socialism. Erm 1850s? Incredible. So good, the strikes, the contrast of the North and the South, the contrast of classes. Perfect. And once again, Margaret I'dgivehermykidneys Hale.

The character development, mainly enjoying watching Margaret slowly turning up the sass levels, but Thornton too, fabulous. 

Honestly I just felt giddy the whole time reading this, every day I picked this up: instant good day. I have no criticisms, this book is perfect.