Heather and Andi are up to no good (again…I tell you, those two are trouble with a capital T), and they suckered me into reading Elizabeth Gaskell’s North and South. I’ve decided that readalongs are pretty much the only way to read the oldies (especially oldies that I’ve never heard of), because if I end up hating the book, the discussions (aka bitch sessions) still make it a totally worthwhile experience.
Here are my answers to the discussion questions for Chapters 1-14:
1. How are you liking the book?
I actually like it! I know! Shocked me, too. There was a brief moment of panic when I saw the page count at the bottom of my nook app. 1342 pages!! But thank god for twitter, because everyone talked me down from the ledge and helped me to understand that for once, the nook app was using actual screen pages as it’s count (since when does it do this??).
In regards to Gaskell herself, I find it weird that she’s compared to Austen, since I have terrible luck with Austen (don’t throw tomatoes at me!) and I plowed through the first 14 chapters of Gaskell in two nights of reading. With Gaskell what you see is what you get, whereas with Austen I always feel like I’m listening to a bunch of silly gossip trying to be clever and going over my head. I know, that makes no sense, but that’s the only way I can explain it.
2. What is up with Margaret’s father?
I am totally with Heather on the fact that he needs to grow a pair. I mean, really…let your daughter do your dirty work?? For shame, man. However, I did want more behind his leaving the church. He was a bit cagey with his reasons…was it totally scandalous to have doubts and Gaskell skirted over things for this reason?? I think I need to know more about how this novel was originally received.
3. What do you think of Thornton and his first impression of Margaret?
I’ve yet to form an opinion on Thornton (for once, I’m reserving judgement), but I do think his first impression of Margaret is kinda funny. I was liking her, but she does seem a bit supercilious at times. And now that she’s befriended Bessy, she’s getting on my nerves. Like she’s Little Miss High and Mighty doing her good deed by visiting the sick. So I do think Thornton is on to something.
4. Feel free to ramble from here on…
Since Heather ranted about Mr. Hale (and I totally agree with her), I will rant about the Mrs. Why (WHY?!?) do women in the olden days always wimp out and get sick at the first little itty-bitty hint of discord. FOR GOD’S SAKE, WOMAN…SUCK IT UP. I understand that your husband is a bit of an asshat, but your daughter is dealing (okay, so she’s admitted to feeling a bit distraught, too, although it didn’t stop her from ironing). You need to, too. You whined about the swampy air of the south for YEARS, and now that you’ve finally moved (and okay, granted the air in Milton is decidedly worse), all you continue to do is bitch and moan. It’s annoying. You’re annoying. You and Mr. Hale deserve each other.
Hurrah! Glad you’re liking it (and glad we talked you down from the ledge). My Nook did that to me with Madame Bovary and scared the crap outta me.
Hale = asshat. Mother = asshat. Haven’t gotten to Margaret’s condescending yet, but I can totally see it.
Andi (@estellasrevenge)´s last [type] ..North and South Read-a-long, Discussion #1
Did you hear that? We’re trouble with a Capital T! Wonder how long it took her to figure that out? LOL!
Heather´s last [type] ..North & South: Discussion Post #1
I agree with you Jill. I want more about this leaving the church. That whole section where he SORTA explains his reasoning to Margaret just left me going HUH? WTF?
I don’t know why exactly, possibly I was so cross-eyed with annoyance at the Mr. but the Mrs. didn’t really register with me. I think I was mostly agreeing with her putoutedness at the Mr. Good Lord he annoys me. But yes. She and he both need to grow a pair. Or just grow the hell up.
Also, I will have you know that spell check let putoutedness go. Does that mean it’s a word?
Heather´s last [type] ..North & South: Discussion Post #1
Ha! Love it.
You know what also irked me…how many times did they point out that Mags was smart but not so pretty? Like, a totally: bless her heart, sorta thing. I mean, I get it was a literary convention of the time, but those poor smart BEAUTIFUL women. Jeez. We do exist.
christina´s last [type] ..North and South (RAL #1)
LOLOL!!!! yes!! My thoughts on Mrs. Hale completely. If there is one thing that really irks me about this time period in literature is that there seems to be a shortage of strong mother characters. Either they’re dead or they’re absolutely flibbertyjibbitery. I’m listening so this is even more exaggerated in the narration.
Although I guess I should take back my words because Mrs. Thornton seems to be quite the hoss! Wouldn’t want to get into a fist fight with her!
I don’t do well with Austen either. Too much mindless rambling about nothing. I can’t say I’m REALLY enjoying this one but it’s holding my interest. And if it makes you feel any better, my kindle says 6,867 pages.
Trish´s last [type] ..Second Quarter 2012 Things Report
I seem to be very firmly in the “I’m not so much annoyed but pity both Mr and Mrs Hale” camp. I do think she is winy at first. I also fele he isn’t very courageous in a way. But then I feel sorry because for me they’re very much a picture of nice people with good intentions somehow messing up their life.
Now, Mrs Thornton.. She is someone I have difficulties with. Her love for her son seems a little unhealthy at times.
Iris´s last [type] ..I Am (Not) The Walrus by Ed Briant
Wait, there is another person in the world who says “asshat”. Sweet. I knew I wasn’t the only one.
As for Gaskell, love her, and if I ever find time again, I’m going to read this book.
Trisha´s last [type] ..Documentaries
I’m really enjoying this book. Austen is a favorite, but Gaskell seems to be much more accessible. Also, I’m up to chapter 40 and am still pretty clueless on Mr. Hale and his relationship the church… don’t understand why he left at all.
JoAnn´s last [type] ..The Grapehound Wine Tour
I agree with you about wanting to know more about the father leaving the church. He devastates his entire family for a crisis of faith — is this going to be explained more or are we supposed to read between the lines? Also agreed about the wife. At least Mr. Hale means well and cares for his family, but she’s completely self-absorbed. I liked when the four women met each other — Mrs. Hale is just like Fanny and Margaret is a perfect match for Mrs. Thornton.
Also agreed that Margaret’s efforts to befriend Bessy are WEAK. She really doesn’t do much to help others but seems to think she does. Also did anyone else think Bessy was way younger than 19?
curlygeek04´s last [type] ..North & South by Elizabeth Gaskell: Discussion Post #1