Reviews

Mary Barton: A Tale of Manchester Life by Elizabeth Gaskell, Jennifer Foster

kenzi_verner's review against another edition

Just made it to chapter 10. Maybe just wrong time but it was unrelentingly sad and I just wasn't feeling it. 

ashleymae_'s review against another edition

dark emotional inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

4.5

My favourite aspect of this novel is the romantic subplot. I am aware that this is perhaps an insipid thing to favour in a social problem novel which seeks to stir about class consciousness, however the characterisation of Mary Barton and James Wilson is so charming that I was invested in their love story the most! Their love for one another was juvenile, but spotlessly virtuous. I also loved to see Mary develop empathy for Jem and a consciousness of her own deep-rooted feelings, at the same time I understood her concerns about the rich suitor / poor suitor situation as a woman seeing her father starve,  descending into addiction and despondency. Overall I have little to critique in this novel; although it is slow to start and Gaskell may have refined / re-written the conclusion in a way that is more “‘realistic.” Mr Carson’s desire to help the common man in the end of Mary Barton may not have been realistic, although I understand how one may argue that the death of his son was the sacrifice required to shake his world and change his heart. 

hungerford's review against another edition

emotional reflective relaxing slow-paced

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

3.0

imber's review against another edition

4.0

mary & jem best ship <3

visetie's review against another edition

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

bpaxton's review against another edition

dark emotional hopeful reflective sad slow-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

although a slow and sometimes difficult read (especially at the beginning) i implore you to read this book. it is depressing and heavy but so gorgeous in its sentiments (many religious as to be expected from Gaskell).
this book bonds you with its beautiful and full characters as you witness the melancholy of working class life in Manchester in the industrial revolution.
as usual, Gaskell's writing is full of political discussion and this book focuses on Trade Unions, labour rights and the death penalty primarily. 
every character in this book is flawed in some way but rest assured there is a happy ending, eventually. 
a book on which i would like to meditate in times of grief because of its stunning reflections on death. 
thank you Mrs Gaskell for continuing to be one of my favourite authors.

abitliterate's review against another edition

4.0

edit: bumping to a 4.5 bc i’m a hater

think this really caught me off guard as a new 5 star read?? had to pick it up for my capitalism & literature course, and had very low expectations. also, the plot description goodreads provides is so bad. pls. what. shockingly intriguing and well developed plot for a classic of this time period! interesting characters and plot twists at every turn! and most importantly, SUCH a telling description of working class life in england during the early 1800s. absolutely incredible in so many ways! a silly time but with some stirring moments to punctuate the plot as well. lovely lovely lovely and such a wonderful surprise

missalessia's review against another edition

dark reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

wasn’t expecting to enjoy this but i teared up at the ending! all these characters went thru such shit life was so shit in Victorian England :(

orb12um's review against another edition

4.0

Gaskell paints the working class Manchester scene in an illuminating light. The anger and vitriol felt towards the working classes and the lack of care shown by the middle class is one of the best displays of the class culture of middle Victorian England.

One is led to hate Carson Jr but feel sorrow and sympathy for his father in an intriguingly nuanced way. Similarly, Mr Barton is developed into a complex character which fascinated the reader.

Mary herself is as heroic as can be and forces you to read on in our journey.

amyisamyisamy's review against another edition

3.0

Least favorite Gaskell book