Oh Gaskell…27 chapters in, and the infatuation is starting to wane. (But don’t worry, I still like you better than Austen.) The politics of the strike was not your finest moment (bor-ing!) and some of the scenes were waaaaaaaay too dramatic. Mrs. Hale weeping and wailing for Frederick and insisting that a letter be sent right this very minute was too much. That whole bit about “Oh ugly daughter, I don’t see you writing…I’ll do it…even though I AM DYING” made me want to bitch slap Mama Hale.
But what’s really bothering me this week (besides Mama Hale) are the secrets. They are killing me! Last week, it was the whole thing with Mr. Hale and the church. This time, it was the two sentences that the doctor uttered that she couldn’t bother to share with us. I get that we’ve established that Mrs. Hale really isn’t a hypochondriac (although she is still a bit of an over-actor), and that she’s gonna kick it any day, but for god’s sake? What’s the diagnosis???
Also…
Fanny is a ninny.
Mrs. Thornton is Mother Bitch. Or, Mommy Dearest. I can’t quite decide which.
Margaret. OMFG. Since when is someone admitting their love for you the equivalent of torture?? We get that you’re the best thing to happen to that town until sliced bread comes along, since you read to the dying, keep secrets in the best interests of your dear papa (heavy on the sarcasm there), save men from mad crowds, nurse your dying (although I’ll believe it when I read the death scene) mama, and lecture people on responsibility, but it’s okay to take a moment for yourself and fall in love. Really. Plus, it might help with that stick you’ve got up your ass.
Mrs. Hale needs to up and die already. I know that’s mean, but: “Why Margaret, you must not be hurt, but he [Fred] was much prettier than you were. I remember, when I first saw you in Dixon’s arms, I said, ‘Dear, what an ugly little thing!’” And then after totally insulting her daughter, she commands her to produce Fred. Argh. It’s too bad Fanny isn’t her daughter. They deserve each other.
And I did learn a new word (clem: to starve to death), but only because Gaskell uses it so many times that I had to look it up. Gaskell’s got a thing for dialect, which is cool, but she is way too fond of this word.
Despite all the bitching and moaning (mine, AND the characters) I am still enjoying the book. It’s just that it’s more fun to trash the characters than write labor strikes (that’s what college was for).
I had to look up “clem,” too. She was clubbing me with it, for God’s sake! I like the book still, but I’m also still behind in my reading. WILL CATCH UP if I can stop reading It. AHEM!
Andi (@estellasrevenge)´s last [type] ..#ItAlong
I haven’t started this week’s reading yet. Like you, I’m preferring IT. It’s like homework vs. the good stuff.
“Really. Plus, it might help with that stick you’ve got up your ass.” lolololololololol
Also, I’m fearful of Mamma Hale’s death scene.
christina´s last [type] ..North and South RAL #2
IF IT HAPPENS, it’s bound to be melodramatic and full of agony and tears.
You make me wish I could have joined this read-a-long! I bought the audiobook last week, so I hope to catch up with all of you at some point.
Literate Housewife´s last [type] ..The River Witch Read-A-Long
Oooh, yes, I hope you get to join us! Then you too can bash the Hale family. Seriously good times.
Trashing the characters really is more fun! And there are plenty who deserve said trashing. I also still find Margaret rather off-putting, but with the parents she has I’m not sure she ever stood a chance. And this Frederick better be God’s great gift to this green planet when he finally materializes.
Brooke´s last [type] ..North and South Read-A-Long: Week Two
I just know I’m going to be disappointed in the dude (Frederick, that is).
This post was a lot of fun to read. I appreciate you reading this book and telling it like it is. I have no desire to read the book at this point, but will definitely return to see what you have to say about the rest of it.
Alyce´s last [type] ..Me Who Dove Into the Heart of the World by Sabina Berman
It’s actually pretty good, despite all of the bashing going on.
Yes! We agree on Margaret! Good Lord, get that stick out of her ass already. I’ve never seen someone so apposed to being loved by someone! Geez.
And I agree about Mama Hale. I’ll believe it when I see it, er, read it. I was certain she was faking it to get Mr. Hale to take her back to Helstrom. Or however you spell it, I’m listening to the audio. Also, thank you for definining clem for me. I couldn’t tell how to spell it to look it up!
Heather´s last [type] ..Wordless Wednesday
Mags needs to go out and tie one on. I’m sure that would help her personality immensely.
Yeah, that proposal scene was way harsh. I mean, even if you’re not into someone, has Margaret never heard of letting someone down easy? I can’t help but think, though, that she was so mortified by what she overheard from Mrs. Thornton and Fanny that is was more her humiliation that caused her to react as she did rather than actual revulsion at the idea of Thornton having feelings for her. She couldn’t bear the thought of someone thinking she was trying to ‘trap’ him into marriage–again, we see that Margaret is very proud. I’ve decided there should be a North and South drinking game that involves points for every time Margaret is described as ‘proud’ or ‘haughty’.
Beth @ Too Fond´s last [type] ..North and South Read-a-long – Discussion #2
And ugly.
For some reason I got it in my head you all were reading the civil war book, North and South.
Literary Feline´s last [type] ..Bookish Thoughts: The Baker’s Daughter by Sarah McCoy
LOL…Christina thought that, too. But she still joined!
Yep — definitely had to look up “clem,” too! And agree about Fanny being a ninny . . . and Mrs. Hale being completely overdramatic. Of course, as I continued to read, I started to feel bad for being so heartless — but really, the obvious favoritism for Frederick over Margaret is a little much, especially as Margaret is the one actually there caring for these people, keeping their secrets, etc. And I felt so bad for Thornton as he discusses his feelings for Margaret! And how heartless she seems! Eek. I’m enjoying it, too, though the characters can get frustrating. Though that often means I’m just invested in the story and want them to do what I want them to do . . .
Meg´s last [type] ..Trading school for freedom
Yes! Margaret is so awful. Her reaction to the proposals makes me really want to slap her. Sheesh!! At least let them down easily and not act like you’re so pissed that they fell in love with you.
The whole secrets thing is driving me nuts too. Why couldn’t they tell Mr. Hale that she was dying. Why does this young girl have to bear all of the family burdens by herself. Crazy!
Kristi´s last [type] ..Austen in August Giveaway