Those who are happy and successful themselves are too apt to make light of the misfortunes of others
North and South, Elizabeth Gaskell
Novel: North and South
Published in: 1854
Genre: Social Novel
Author: Elizabeth Gaskell
Summary:
Margaret Hale (the lady from the south of England) loves her hometown, but as the situation of her family turns worse, she leaves the beauty of South and heads to the North, to Milton where the place is filled with labourers. Margaret clashes with John Thornton in Milton who is the owner of a cotton mill. The young lady first meets him when he was mad at a worker and her notion about him was not so admirable. After being in a serene place in the south, Margaret Hale finds it hard to live in a dull, gloomy place as Milton. She loses many of her loved ones in this place and faces many struggles.
Review:
The title of the book itself discerns the intention of the author. This story of Elizabeth Gaskell captured my attention than any of her other books. The plot changing from the serenity of South England to the hardship of North England would be perfect for the ones who struggle to reside in a new area. Reading North and south would make you able to understand the labour relations. Margaret Hale’s challenges and struggles which she had to face, makes her a strong woman and that would attract all the female readers. This story is not only a book with great descriptions but also a great example for all the readers.
About the author:
Elizabeth Gaskell (1810-1865)
The famous writer Elizabeth Gaskell started her writing with her husband’s mortification and after the loss of her son. Her first novel was Mary Barton, published in 1848. North and South was her fifth novel and was published in 1855. North and South is one of the best-known books of Elizabeth Gaskell and was adapted for television three times. Though the author’s writing was considered old-fashioned in the twentieth century, she is one of the highly-regarded Victorian novelists now.
