Reviews tagging 'Misogyny'

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

5 reviews

samanthaleereads's review against another edition

emotional funny informative medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Death of parent, and Classism

Moderate: Suicide

mal_eficent's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is a book I love more and more with each reread – and each new introduction. Learning more of the contemporary context around class and literary movements at the time adds a lot of needed clarity to many of the events and chapters.

That said, I don't always get on with Gaskell's writing style. Sometimes I found myself flicking back a page or rereading a paragraph to figure out what was going on in the poetic phrasing and long, winding sentences. On the whole the writing is more practical and full of less tangents than an Austen, and it is always at least relevant to the immediate characters and setting. It's a beautiful way of writing that had me enthralled for most of the novel – even if it was a bit too religious for my tastes.

The events deviated quite a lot from the TV series in the second half, I felt, which left me feeling a little bit lost at times. I  was expecting events and conversations that never came which in turn made things seem a little bit dull. In some ways it left me wanting. No exhibition where Maragret learnt some appreciation for machinery, all we got was some subtle thought pieces. 

The ending, however, with it's bright and sudden punch of character, I enjoyed much more than the TV series which suffered quite badly from the slow, modern romantic haze I can't stand. It ended the book on a high note that made me happy for characters I loved. If you can stand an older writing style, it's a very compelling romance and I'll definitely be binge watching the series to compare it to the book properly.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Chronic illness, Misogyny, Death of parent, and Classism

Minor: Death and Police brutality

columnclub's review against another edition

informative reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.5

There's a lot of interesting stuff here, but it felt a little lukewarm overall, in both the politics and the romance. I did love the last few lines, though.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Suicide, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, and Classism

Moderate: Animal death, Misogyny, Terminal illness, Medical trauma, and Injury/Injury detail

Minor: Child death, Panic attacks/disorders, Religious bigotry, Pregnancy, and Toxic friendship

mondovertigo's review against another edition

challenging slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Sexism, and Death of parent

Minor: Pregnancy

gracescanlon's review against another edition

emotional hopeful sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, Misogyny, Terminal illness, Grief, and Death of parent

Moderate: Gun violence, Mental illness, Sexism, Suicide, Violence, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism

Minor: Alcoholism