Reading report one: North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell (1855).

Genre: Novel.

Some time ago I was planning to make a list of books that I would like to read, especially romantic novels. But it was quite complicated for me to find romantic novels that were not too corny. And everyone I found, when reading their synopsis or reviews,I realized that they could not be part of my list.

I have nothing against corny novels, of course. I just like reading more about love as something closer to reality. Books that keep “my feet on the ground”. And that is how I found a comment from this book, in which, the girl on the webpage clarified that it is a romantic story but that it does not cause you “hyperglycemia”, or something like that. And well, I thought ... then it's perfect for me!

I introduce you the characters from this book:

Margaret Hale, a very beautiful and intelligent girl, but somewhat modest.

Edith, her cousin, is a very attractive young woman with no will of her own. She is always following the ideas and instructions of her mother, Mrs. Shaw.

Mrs. Shaw, Margaret's aunt and tutor in her childhood is, apparently, a very kind but somewhat ambitious person. And "very discreetly" wants her daughter to follow in her footsteps.

Captain Lennox, Edith's suitor and future husband, is a handsome wealthy family man. Also his brother, Henry Lennox,a very humble gentleman, despite the social status of his family. Mr. and Mrs. Hale, Margaret's parents,are two very kind, enthusiastic and resilient people despite the problems they are going through. About Frederick, Margaret's brother, not much is known yet, since it has only been mentioned so far, that nobody knows about his life. And last but not least, Mrs. Dixon, the housemaid. A homely, helpful and very noble woman.

The novel takes place in Europe, at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution. In other words, in the Victorian era. It tells the story of Margaret, a beautiful and intelligent girl.

Margaret lived with her aunt, Mrs. Shaw, and her cousin Edith, in London (Harley street). When her cousin, Edith, decides to marry Captain Lennox, everything changes in the house and she decides to move back to her hometown, Helstone (in the south of England).

When she arrived home, she realized that her family was facing some economic problems and Dixon, the housemaid, despite the affection she had for the family, she was thinking about quitting her job in the house, because they could not pay her anymore. Margaret also realized that her brother Frederick was not at home anymore. Despite this,Dixon always kept the room clean because they think that someday, Frederick will go back home.

A few days after Margaret’s arrival in Helstone, Henry Lennox went to visit her and her family. Henry is Captain Lennox’s brother, that is, the brother in law of her cousin Edith. This visit was unexpected, but nothing strange, since he and Margaret used to have a very good relationship when she lived in London. Could be said they were best friends.

Henry's visit made the situation in the house quite overwhelming for Margaret's parents, since as I mentioned before, they were facing financial problems and they were worried about the dinner time. Mrs. Hale, despite being so worried, showed her best face to welcome the handsome young man.

To ease the situation a little bit, Margaret decided to take Henry outside to paint. While they were walking through a very beautiful street they saw a very old but beautiful house and they agreed to make a portrait of it. Later on, when they had finished, Margaret realized that Henry had portrayed her. She felt nervous but did not say anything about it.

Once they returned home, they had lunch and took a walk in the garden. Unexpectedly, the handsome man declared his love to Margaret. He told her that throughout the time they spent in London, he realized how much in love was for her. She felt very ashamed, because she only saw him as a friend. She had no other choice but to reject him. But perhaps because she was very nervous she was a bit rude and hurted Henry’s feelings. Poor Henry,was very upset, because it took him a very long time to accept his feelings and a very long more to express it.

He said goodbye to everyone and furiously left the house. However, before closing the door, he told Margaret, that despite everything, he would be waiting for her in case she changed her mind.

To be continued...

Erin Avilés