Friday 5 December 2008

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

After watching the recent BBC adaptation, I knew I just had to read the book! There is a strong thread of integrity in the book. Mr Hale must stand by his convictions and leave the church, Mr Thornton is his own kind of Master, self made, but not willing to comprimise family or the livelyhood of his workers, Mrs Thornton is the strong matriach who will stand by her son through good times and bad, and Margaret believes that her integrity is blemished by a misunderstanding with Mr Thornton. There is also a knock against unlearned assumptions. When first arriving in Milton, Margaret has certain views about the North, which are changed as she gets to know some of the people, but these assumptions remain concreted in her Aunt Shaw and cousin Edith who destain the place and the people. Mr Bell's humerous dialogue is a treat!

5 comments:

Laura Essendine said...

Isn't North and South just the most brilliant thing you've ever seen? great performances from even the most minor characters and atmospheric settings. Probably the best thing the BBC has ever done.

Laura Essendine
Author – The Accidental Guru
The Books Limited Blog

Marg said...

The book has it's own strengths compared to the mini-series, but if I had to pick between them I would have to go with the mini-series for the swooniness that is Richard Armitage!

I did love the last line in the book as well, but the ending of the mini-series is one of my favourite romantic moments of all time.

Laura Essendine said...

I wanted to sound studious about North & South but, truth is, it's the swooniness that's the main attraction for me too.

Despite my best efforts, I'm so shallow sometimes!

Laura Essendine
Author – The Accidental Guru
The Books Limited Blog

cindy said...

hi amanda! you won the SILVER PHOENIX ARC giveaway! please email me your addy! pon.cindy@gmail.com

thanks for playing!

Hector Macdonald said...

Hi Amanda

I'm a huge fan of Sydney and will be staying in Pittwater in January. Can't wait!

May I invite you to write about your favorite books at www.bookdrum.com, where you can add information, images, video, music and links to illustrate and explore the books.

Right now, we're running a $3,000 Tournament and we'll be offering contract work to the best entries. There's a shortage of people writing about non-fictional history, so if you picked a title in that category you'd really stand out.

Best wishes

Hector Macdonald
Editor, Book Drum