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.