Love North and South

The book North and South has replaced Pride and Prejudiced as my favorite all time romance novel.  North and South first appeared as a 22 part weekly serial in the magazine Household Worlds from September 1854 thru January 1855.  I was written by Elizabeth Gaskell.  Charles Dickens pressured Elizabeth Gaskell to finish the serial which accounts for the sort of abrupt ending to the book.

North and South is the story of Margaret Hale and John Thornton.  Mr. Thornton is a broody and hard owner of a cotton mill during the industrial revolution in England.  Deep down Mr. Thornton is also quite kind and concerned about the welfare of those who work for him.  Mr. Thornton lives in fictional Milton-Northern in the area of Darkshire.  Margaret Hale is from Helstone, a small country village in the south of England.  Margaret's father uproots the family to Milton when Margaret is 19 years old.  That is when she meets John Thornton.  Mr. Thornton falls for Margaret at first sight, but Margaret dislikes him because she is not able to get past his broody and hard exterior to see through to the kind and caring man that Mr. Thornton really is.  Through it all, John Thornton's love for Margaret never wavers.  Mr. Thornton loves Margaret for all that she is.  His love is deeper than physical attraction even though he is very attracted to Margaret and thinks she is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen.

This is the type of love that seems to be missing much today in relationships and I think it is the main reason that this novel has stood the test of time.  It is read far and wide today.  It may even be more popular today; especially after the BBC mini series starring Richard Armitage and Daniela Denby-Ashe.  Mr. John Thornton definitely gives Mr. Darcy a run for his money.           

 I read the book North and South, but I also listened to this unabridged audio book.  It is very well done and captured my heart.  I never get tired of listening to it.

The BBC miniseries North and South.  A movie that I will never forget or tire of watching.