North and South

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell copyright 1855

First, let's clear up any confusion that this might be the civil war saga novel by John Jakes. It is NOT! This elegant piece of work is British through and through and written by a woman. Okay, now we can get down to business.

I just recently read (and reread, I might add) this book last month. I stumbled upon the BBC movie adaptation of the novel, loved it and knew that the book is ALWAYS better than the movie and so ventured forth. The result was so much fun! That isn't to say that the style is easy. I think it might be a bit daunting if you haven't read anything more difficult than Harry Potter recently, but so worth the effort.

The story is primarily concerned with a young woman, Margaret Hale and her "growing up", or becoming wiser is probably more accurate. She is portrayed as a beautiful young woman (of course, because only in Jane Eyre is the heroine plain) with an independent mind and womanly feelings of love and caring towards those who, in her opinion, deserve it. She is more stable a character than either of her parents although they are good people. She has infinitely more depth than her London friends, and is interested and concerned for the welfare of those below her in station.

In the beginning of the novel, she moves from the lush southern England countryside with her middle-class parents of limited income to a manufacturing town in the north. A much different mindset exists among the working class and those who have gained wealth and influence due to their success in business than the strict politeness and rigid class structure of the south and of London. It is in this setting that Margaret meets John Thornton, a wealthy youngish manufacturer, and their consequent antagonistic relationship and eventual regard develops.

The romance part of the novel resembles a similar structure as Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice, with out the overwhelming wealth and with actual obstacles to resolution besides pride and misjudgment. Mrs. Gaskell includes chapters from John's point-of-view which greatly enhances the romance as Margaret tends to be less introspective (or at least acknowledging of her feelings) than John.

The other major subject within the story is the plight and struggle of the working class and the "masters". The characterization of Nicholas and Bessy Higgins are particularly good and endearing. The reasons for the strike that ensues are laid out by both sides, and how at least in Thornton's mills the future communications between the workers and the boss improve the situation. Margaret's friendship with Bessie provides an important means for the author to convey the difficulties of the working class, as well as gives Margaret someone to confide in so we can get more insight into her thoughts as well.

There is a fair amount of sadness that vexes Margaret's stay in Milton (the fictional northern town) that really influences the reader to want Margaret and John to be together in order that they might be happy and have someone to lean upon in the struggles and sad times. Mrs. Gaskell leaves us questioning whether or not that will happen until the very last pages. Really, when I started the last chapter, I was stressed out thinking that "here we are at the last chapter, and HOW are these two going to get together???". Gratefully, if not rather briskly, the author gives in to the longing (theirs and the reader's) and grants a happy ending.

I really enjoyed this book. I love a good romance, but the historical aspects of the novel made it all the better and more enjoyable. I enjoy strong, independently minded heroes and heroines, and Margaret Hale and John Thornton were just that. Given the time period in which it was written, it could even be said to have a few "feminist" aspects. Margaret was not your typical empty-minded female whose only thoughts were of how to catch a husband. She wants to better the world within her reach and to encourage others to do the same. Oh, but lets not forget to mention that she is stunningly beautiful, strong-willed, morally upright, AND inherits a fortune. Oh that we all had such advantages. :)