Book description
North and South is a social novel by English writer Elizabeth Gaskell. With Wives and Daughters (1865) and Cranford (1853), it is one of her best-known novels and was adapted for television twice (1975 and 2004). The later version renewed interest in the novel and attracted a wider readership. Gaskell's…
Why read it?
1 author picked North and South as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
This wonderful novel explores the industrial revolution in the north of England, the conditions of factory owners and workers, and the education of a young woman from a slightly more genteel background who learns to navigate it as her eyes are opened throughout the course of the book.
The BBC adaptation of this is also completely delightful—I can watch the ending scene over and over again. I love the wonderful sparring between heroine and hero—another woman who remains resolutely herself as she grows her understanding about herself and the truth of the world and the people around her.
From Tracy's list on Tracy Wise's favorite 19th century women characters to spill the tea with.
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