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North and South
501 pages, Paperback
Published July 3, 2024
About the author
Elizabeth Gaskell
1,080 books3,840 followersElizabeth Cleghorn Gaskell, née Stevenson (29 September 1810 – 12 November 1865), often referred to simply as Mrs. Gaskell, was an English novelist and short story writer during the Victorian era. Her novels offer a detailed portrait of the lives of many strata of society, including the very poor, and as such are of interest to social historians as well as lovers of literature.
AKA:
Елізабет Гаскелл (Ukrainian)
AKA:
Елізабет Гаскелл (Ukrainian)
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 10, 2025
~ mini review ~
I really enjoyed this book! I've seen people compare this to Pride & Prejudice, and certain aspects of the story definitely did remind me of P & P. However, this one wasn't as lighthearted or funny as Jane Austen's works. It had its sad moments for sure, but also this depth and sweetness to it that was unique, putting more of an emphasis on family, resilience, and faith. (As with most classics, there were some religious comments that were questionable, but also some really good faith discussions that I appreciated!). Something else that stood out to me was how, more so than any other classic I've read, it gave such an intimate, fascinating look into English society of that time. I felt like I was living through the factory strikes and economical struggles with the characters.
I thought for most of the book that I wanted Margaret to end up with someone else, but the final confession of love completely won me over. 🥲 There were so many more moments I enjoyed as well. Overall, highly worth the read!
I really enjoyed this book! I've seen people compare this to Pride & Prejudice, and certain aspects of the story definitely did remind me of P & P. However, this one wasn't as lighthearted or funny as Jane Austen's works. It had its sad moments for sure, but also this depth and sweetness to it that was unique, putting more of an emphasis on family, resilience, and faith. (As with most classics, there were some religious comments that were questionable, but also some really good faith discussions that I appreciated!). Something else that stood out to me was how, more so than any other classic I've read, it gave such an intimate, fascinating look into English society of that time. I felt like I was living through the factory strikes and economical struggles with the characters.
I thought for most of the book that I wanted Margaret to end up with someone else, but the final confession of love completely won me over. 🥲 There were so many more moments I enjoyed as well. Overall, highly worth the read!
January 31, 2026
2026 re read number, I dont know! read it several times. I LOVE this book.
What to say? I love Elizabeth Gaskell. Such stark differences between industrial north and rural south but also class differences. At that time you could be aristocratic and poor or rich but in industry. The aristocracy would still look down on manufacturers even if they were rich.
I absolutely adored John Thornton, one of my favourite heroes in fiction. The relationship between him and Margaret was beautiful. Also secondary charecters well fleshed out. I loved John's relationship with his mother and really liked the Higgins'.
What to say? I love Elizabeth Gaskell. Such stark differences between industrial north and rural south but also class differences. At that time you could be aristocratic and poor or rich but in industry. The aristocracy would still look down on manufacturers even if they were rich.
I absolutely adored John Thornton, one of my favourite heroes in fiction. The relationship between him and Margaret was beautiful. Also secondary charecters well fleshed out. I loved John's relationship with his mother and really liked the Higgins'.
November 26, 2025
The change from a rural to an industrial society was no easy feat, and Gaskell tells us about the differences, the struggles and the pains of this historical event. But the ca. 500 pages are about more than just that: there's also filial duty, personal change, integrity, and why not - a realistic love story.
Gaskell knows that change has to come through some pain and suffering and I love the way she puts it plainly before our eyes, leaving us to ponder and consider the implications not only in those times, but what their meaning could be to our present social struggles and progress.
God has made us so that we must be mutually dependent. We may ignore our own dependence, or refuse to acknowledge that others depend upon us in more respects than the payment of weekly wages; but the thing must be, nevertheless. Neither you nor any other master can help yourselves. The most proudly independent man depends on those around him for their insensible influence on his character - his life.
Also, I love that Gaskell jokingly renamed her novel in another way, which I won't mention to avoid spoilers, but look it up, it definitely makes sense.
Gaskell knows that change has to come through some pain and suffering and I love the way she puts it plainly before our eyes, leaving us to ponder and consider the implications not only in those times, but what their meaning could be to our present social struggles and progress.
God has made us so that we must be mutually dependent. We may ignore our own dependence, or refuse to acknowledge that others depend upon us in more respects than the payment of weekly wages; but the thing must be, nevertheless. Neither you nor any other master can help yourselves. The most proudly independent man depends on those around him for their insensible influence on his character - his life.
Also, I love that Gaskell jokingly renamed her novel in another way, which I won't mention to avoid spoilers, but look it up, it definitely makes sense.
March 1, 2026
This felt like Jane Austen meets Karl Marx and honestly good for Gaskell.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews