jessica_flower's review against another edition
4.0
This is my first Elizabeth Gaskell book, and I'm glad that I liked it so much, as it gives me incentive to read more of her novels. (eventually. *stares at my mile-long TBR* . . .)
Cranford is a quaint little English town in the 19th century whose notable feature in regards to its people is that there are a lot of unmarried older women who live there. So, spinsters.
I don't know about you, but it is refreshing to read a classic about a bunch of older women who for some reason or another aren't married, and they don't lament that fact, but continue to make their own society and acknowledge that a man only gets in the way in the house.
Cranford explores different themes, but what I liked about it was how it portrayed the interpersonal relationships between women, particularly older women, in such an authentic light.
Between the two sisters, I liked Deborah better (at first). She was the epitome of a strong-minded independent older woman who spoke her mind, and I liked that; I am sorry we didn't get more of her in the rest of the story, although then I wonder at how some events would have turned out. *stares off into the distance and wonders about a certain person coming back into town*
Matilda, the younger sister, or Matty, as everyone calls her, was much softer, gentler, a sweet old lady if there ever was one, and I warmed up to her a lot as the story went on. Matty deserves everything good in the world.
So, if you want to read about a nice country town with strong-willed old ladies, comedy and a touch of drama, with lots of shenanigans interspersed, Cranford is your go-to classic.
Cranford is a quaint little English town in the 19th century whose notable feature in regards to its people is that there are a lot of unmarried older women who live there. So, spinsters.
I don't know about you, but it is refreshing to read a classic about a bunch of older women who for some reason or another aren't married, and they don't lament that fact, but continue to make their own society and acknowledge that a man only gets in the way in the house.
Cranford explores different themes, but what I liked about it was how it portrayed the interpersonal relationships between women, particularly older women, in such an authentic light.
Between the two sisters, I liked Deborah better (at first). She was the epitome of a strong-minded independent older woman who spoke her mind, and I liked that; I am sorry we didn't get more of her in the rest of the story, although then I wonder at how some events would have turned out. *stares off into the distance and wonders about a certain person coming back into town*
Matilda, the younger sister, or Matty, as everyone calls her, was much softer, gentler, a sweet old lady if there ever was one, and I warmed up to her a lot as the story went on. Matty deserves everything good in the world.
So, if you want to read about a nice country town with strong-willed old ladies, comedy and a touch of drama, with lots of shenanigans interspersed, Cranford is your go-to classic.
mathetria936's review against another edition
3.0
This novel just didn't live up to Gaskell's others for me. I ended up increasing the reading speed just to get through it faster. Unfortunate...
nadiafleur's review against another edition
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
kketelaar's review against another edition
4.0
I loved the characters studies in this book, so many of which are applicable today. The story itself was sweet which I think could lead the reader to not recognize how revolutionary this book was for it's time. Women were relegated to the role of being a mere accessory to the men in their lives, for a book to place them front and center definitely went against the societal norms.
prynne31's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
wordsofclover's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
dryanee's review against another edition
4.0
Veamos, por qué le he puesto 4 estrellas y no 5? No, qué va, 5 sería excesivo para mí, debería haberme tenido como loca obsesionada. Y no, no ha sido así. Sin embargo, me ha gustado. La manera de escribir de Elisabeth Gaskell me ha gustado, me ha parecido sencilla, nada ostentosa, inteligible. No por ello me ha gustado menos, esa no es la razón.
Me ha hecho gracia la personalidad y actos de algunos personajes. En general, los personajes me han parecido bastante variopintos y me han gustado. Me he encariñado de Mary y la señora Matty. Y Martha? Ay, qué cariño le he cogido! En general, con todas las señoronas y gente del pueblo. Sería bonito ir a Cranford y tomar el té aunque fuera una sola tarde con ellas.
El problema entonces cual ha sido? Pues que simplemente no me ha parecido adictivo. Podía coger el libro, soltarlo y no tener ganas de leerlo. Cuando lo cogía me leía un capítulo la mar de a gusto, lo disfrutaba, aunque a veces se me hacía un poco largo. Tal vez no era el momento ? Ni idea, pero sí que me ha gustado, así que tal vez algún día releea algún capítulo. Es lo bueno de este tipo de libros, como mujercitas también, puedes simplemente leer un capítulo y quedar satisfecho y feliz.
Me ha hecho gracia la personalidad y actos de algunos personajes. En general, los personajes me han parecido bastante variopintos y me han gustado. Me he encariñado de Mary y la señora Matty. Y Martha? Ay, qué cariño le he cogido! En general, con todas las señoronas y gente del pueblo. Sería bonito ir a Cranford y tomar el té aunque fuera una sola tarde con ellas.
El problema entonces cual ha sido? Pues que simplemente no me ha parecido adictivo. Podía coger el libro, soltarlo y no tener ganas de leerlo. Cuando lo cogía me leía un capítulo la mar de a gusto, lo disfrutaba, aunque a veces se me hacía un poco largo. Tal vez no era el momento ? Ni idea, pero sí que me ha gustado, así que tal vez algún día releea algún capítulo. Es lo bueno de este tipo de libros, como mujercitas también, puedes simplemente leer un capítulo y quedar satisfecho y feliz.
ricefun's review against another edition
5.0
Read the book after watching the delightful BBC adaptation. I'm surprised that I never came in contact with Gaskell before, but I'm a huge fan now and can't wait to read her other works. Cranford is delightful, quirky, and disturbing all at the same time. I often wish for a peaceful place like Cranford, but think that if I actually lived there I would go crazy.
rosekk's review against another edition
5.0
It was a really fun, sweet story. Often tales of this era (and this level of quaintness) annoy or bore me, but something about the eccentric characters and unique setting made me enjoy it. Cranford strikes me as an unusual, almost progressive setting, being so outside of the male influence. Obviously it retains many of the prejudices of the time in it's pages when it comes to gender relations and the way race is handled, but there is something a little more open-minded in its construction that other stories of the time. The story doesn't take itself to seriously, which helps.