North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell (Spoilers)
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- Ariza
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North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell (Spoilers)
For now I'll just tell you about my experience. I thought it was a brilliant novel. The characters are extremely well-written with just the right amount of flaws. I found both Margaret and Thornton very easy to relate to. I've always been a fan of the classics but I thought North and South gave a unique point of view in showing us at least a small insight into the lives of the working class of nineteenth-century Britain.
Obviously, I rooted for Margaret and Thornton throughout the story, even when he was being impossible and she was being a bit prissy.
My favourite character was Nicolas Higgins. He is just a very likable character with his pride and his wisdom and his keen eye for the things that happened around him. Besides his behaviour during the strike and the way he took in Boucher's children, my favourite thing about Higgins is how he sort of threw out that fact about Frederick being Margaret's brother to Thornton, as if he had a suspicion and he thought he'd just have a go at fixing the problem.
Obviously, I was a bit taken aback by how abruptly the book ended. As I understood there were external factors that forced Gaskell to hurry the end. Still, I would've liked to see an ending worthy of Thornton and Margaret's relationship.
One thing that I did wonder about and that I can't find an answer for anywhere is what Mrs Hale died of. I would like to throw around a few ideas on that point.
All in all, I thought the book was enchanting. It has joined a certain pile of books of mine that I wish I could forget just for the pleasure of discovering them again.
- MaySage
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Have you watched the BBC serie?
- blu
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- Ariza
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Unfortunately not, but I heard it's really good. I've been having some trouble buying it, but it's on the list! I definitely think that the characters have more depth than some Austen characters. They seem a lot more realistic, with situations that we can relate to more than the quiet country life we see in all of Austen's novels.MaySage wrote:I'm with you there: I absolutely love North and South - more than some Jane Austen!
Have you watched the BBC serie?
- blu
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It is on Netflix if you have it. I'd definitely suggest getting to it soon, it really is excellent.Ariza wrote:Unfortunately not, but I heard it's really good. I've been having some trouble buying it, but it's on the list.MaySage wrote:I'm with you there: I absolutely love North and South - more than some Jane Austen!
Have you watched the BBC serie?
- MarianMarion
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-- 05 Aug 2016, 23:28 --
The kissing scene at the end--to die for! I think it's the best romantic kiss I've seen on the screen, and there's nothing improper about it.Yafa1822 wrote:I also have a crush on Richard Armitage thanks to the BBC series, just saying. So, if you watch it after reading, you've been warned. He's mighty crushable (is that even a word?).
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But I appreciate Thornton's constancy throughout the novel. He sticks to his convictions, maybe a little too blindly, but it eventually works out for the couple as Margret's true character surfaces.
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I absolutely loved North and South. It has so many aspects to it. This story has everything in the correct amount. It has the pain of leaving the place you love so much, unfamiliarity and awkwardness, the struggles of the working class, the stress of leader who wants to do good by them, love, sparks and finally acceptance.
I love to read classics which has a strong female lead who saves the day. And I love the guys who fall for such women.
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