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A review by literature
North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
All in consequence to how I feel. It seemed like there was a huge focus imbalance. + The ending felt so rushed, as if everything happened for the sake of the ending, rather than for the sake of realistic continuity.
It almost seems like every one of her relatives (except Frederick, who is too far and too indisposed to care for her while Mr. Thornton remains in the picture) dies for the sole purpose of her having the means to care after Mr. Thornton's newfound money issues, i.e., for the plot's sake. The transition from helping him, to a sudden increase in intimacy (or rather, intimate atmosphere), felt almost silly. The focus on their relationship and its development felt sorely lacking; I didn't expect to read such little of it, esp. since romance is a tagged genre for this book.
With all the hate of inactivity Margaret expressed, she rarely ever pushed herself to do anything daring or go beyond Harley Street unless assisted by- or at the whim of- somebody else. She rushed to visit Mr. Bell, but never attempted going, or at the very least, expressed a wish to go to her father's funeral. Surely, she would realistically be urged to go, no matter how weak she felt (admittedly, I am unsure how inconvenient or possible it would have been to travel to Oxford as a young lady during that time, but to not even imply an attempt or a desire to go is a sure sign of a character being too one-track-minded and plot-driven).
Honestly, my favorite interactions were of Margaret with Bessy and/or Mr. Higgins, and of Mr. Higgins with Mr. Thornton.
She never even visited her brother and Dolores. I thought that would've been interesting and fun to read, especially with Frederick becoming a merchant and all. Margaret's interactions with Dolores would've been so cute, I imagine.
With all the hate of inactivity Margaret expressed, she rarely ever pushed herself to do anything daring or go beyond Harley Street unless assisted by- or at the whim of- somebody else. She rushed to visit Mr. Bell, but never attempted going, or at the very least, expressed a wish to go to her father's funeral. Surely, she would realistically be urged to go, no matter how weak she felt (admittedly, I am unsure how inconvenient or possible it would have been to travel to Oxford as a young lady during that time, but to not even imply an attempt or a desire to go is a sure sign of a character being too one-track-minded and plot-driven).
Honestly, my favorite interactions were of Margaret with Bessy and/or Mr. Higgins, and of Mr. Higgins with Mr. Thornton.
She never even visited her brother and Dolores. I thought that would've been interesting and fun to read, especially with Frederick becoming a merchant and all. Margaret's interactions with Dolores would've been so cute, I imagine.
Content Warnings
Minor: Chronic illness