Memory Monday: North and South, by Elizabeth Gaskell

In honor of this first Memory Monday, I'm reviewing my all-time favorite book ever. I'm also reviewing the movie as well, because it is also excellent. For Sunday's review of Genesis, see here.



North and South, by Elizabeth Gaskell
Adult Fiction, 1855
(*Originally published in serial by Household Words, ed. by Charles Dickens.)

When Margaret Hale and her family move from the lush, beautiful South to the industrial, working North, she is shocked at the change of lifestyle, the poverty of the workers, and the attitudes of the managers/owners of the mills there. Over time, she begins to understand the North, while the manager and love interest, John Thornton, starts to appreciate her and the differences that make her worth having.
An incredibly moving tale, North and South is what I would call a deeper and more profound version of Pride and Prejudice. It deals with issues of the day, and the understanding that develops between not just Margaret and John, but the workers and managers, her father and his beliefs, and others. Also a wonderful love story, it is worth reading over and over again. Graded an A+.
For more information on Elizabeth Gaskell, please refer to this short biography.



North and South, BBC, 2004

Based on the book by Elizabeth Gaskell, this movie is, in a few words, the equivalent of a serious Pride and Prejudice. Don't expect laughter, but do expect incredible acting, beautiful characterization, and of course, a great love story. The casting is well done - you'll throw out Colin Firth once you meet Richard Armitage, and to top it off, the music is beautiful. A favorite to watch over and over. Graded A+.
Check out IMDB's information here.