North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell (Non-Spoiler Thread)

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to our group read of Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South. The read was birthed from a “chat” on one of our threads. Someone expressed a desire to read more classic literature, someone else suggested a group read, another chimed in that the holiday would be great timing, and here we are.

Everyone is welcome! The group read runs December 15 - January15. We’ll all be starting to read at different times, so there’s no need to feel you need to begin reading immediately in mid-December. I’ve posted three threads for discussion of North and South:

North and South (Non-Spoiler Thread) (you are here!): all general discussion of the novel
North and South, Chapters 1-26 (Spoiler Thread): specific discussion first half of the novel
North and South, Chapters 27-52 (Spoiler Thread): specific discussion second half of the novel

We’re delighted to have you join us. Let the discussion begin!

Here.

Welcome, Jenn! Here, too!

I'm hoping to enjoy North and South over my Christmas holiday which starts Dec 21. I've already requested the BBC mini-series from my library for post-read enjoyment. I saw it some time ago and it's fabulous!



eta: fixed the touchstone! thanks, qebo!

Aaaaagh, touchstones!

My copy is a Penguin Popular Classics one, small format but easily packable for summer holiday. And only $5. Got to be happy with that. Ready to go.

I already have this BBC adaptation in my DVD-library - but haven't seen it yet - it will be a treat after I've read the novel. Starting today :)

Hello everyone, I'm also joining in. I've always wanted to read North and South.

Hi Carsten and Marie. I'm excited to get going! This weekend!

It's shaping up to be a Gaskell festive season in my house. Reading and re-watching North and South. Also, I recently found BBC's Cranford at my library, so that's here too!

I'll be joining in, and will probably get started this weekend.

Yay, more recruits! As I fell asleep last night finishing off my last book, I dont hold out high hopes for keeping my eyes open for long enough to get a good start on it tonight, but I will try!

Ah! I'm so happy I stumbled across the link for this in Katie's thread! This is a book I've wanted to read for years, mostly out of complete adoration for the BBC miniseries, but have never felt like I'd be able to squeeze it into my reading schedule - until now! I'll be heading out to pick up a copy in the next couple of days.

Yay, SO EXCITED!!!

Laura, I'm so delighted you found us too! Pass it on! I'm only a few chapters into North and South, and I love Gaskell's writing. Also love the BBC mini-series and will re-watch when I've finished the novel.

I nearly managed a couple of chapters today - even if it meant I had to sneak off and leave kids in care of other parent. But I was so tired I kept seeing the wrong words, like "internet" for "interest"...now I knew the internet wasn't part of the story..... and that I had to rest my eyes. So I slept instead!

I'm in - I have heaven knows what version on the Kindle. It's free, and it's bundled with a history of Great Britain (as if N&S is not long enough already). I've read the first page and it was excellent!

Megan I will look for the internet reference tonight ;)

Good luck with that Cushla! Maybe the author was so tired when she was writing that she actually mean to write "internet" and accidentally wrote "interest"? A visionary perhaps?

Welcome, Cushla! Love the internet anecdote, Megan : ).

I am planning to start reading this week. Things are calming down a bit...
I love the BBC North and South. Love it.

I can only seem to get 2-3 pages in at a time.....where did all my reading time go? Oh thats right, the kiddies werent in bed til 930pm last night, too excited about being on holidays! But I plan to book in some reading time when baby sleeps this arvo and hunker down!

I'm 22 chapters in now, and really enjoying it. I have been shutting my eyes at most of the posts on the spoiler thread but with luck I'll be up to Chapter 27 tonight.

good youre getting some reading Cushla, Im still unable to get even 10 minutes to myself this holiday...too many pre schoolers needing reining in. There are that many head counts happening each day....one of the hazards of staying on the beach is toddlers running off!

And Im disappointed in myself to have to say that Im not really enjoying what Ive read so far! :( The story seems to be moving slowly for me and I dont feel like I am getting to know Margaret yet, thats after about 80 pages.