Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell | Book Review [CC]

This is my review of the classic Victorian novel Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell, an episodic tale of a small town ruled by its circle of eccentric ladies.
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[@meghanthestorygirl4581]

So glad you loved Cranford! I have to agree that either Miss Matty or Miss Pole is my favourite Cranford "Amazon" but for very different reasons.

[@spreadbookjoy]

I think Miss Matty was my favourite character in the end because she influenced everyone around her to such goodness. The more I think about Cranford, the more highly I think of it. I loved the depth and quirks of each character and I felt that the blend of humour and tragedy was masterfully done. I was impressed with Gaskell’s writing and glad this was my first of her novels, despite the structure being more that of a collection of short stories. I imagine that made it a good choice for adaptation and now I really want to watch the series. Great review and another brilliant buddy read - it was such fun to talk it over and speculate with you!

[@Bryndisdaugtherofgunnar]

I loved this book. I think I like miss Matty the most. Thanks for this review, I also really liked the mundane aspects of the book.

[@jola-xl9xi]

I enjoyed this book too! And I must say that this comparison to a soap opera is quite interesting and accurate

[@katiejlumsden]

I'm so glad you liked Cranford. I wonder if you might like Wives and Daughters.

[@BernasBookishAdventures]

I have very recently finished Cranford and I thought very similar to you. Your thought about this being a Victorian Soap Opera is right on point. Loved the video, thanks for the review! My favorite Cranford lady was Miss Pole.

[@scallydandlingaboutthebook2711]

Of course you loved Cranford. Phew, I don't have to unsubscribe and start sending hate mail. Lovely lovely review. And I am giggling all over again about the cat-lace incident.

[@an_albatross9256]

Never clicked on a video so fast - ty for reviewing 💜

[@maryellen21]

Watched the TV adaptation and loved the camaraderie between the women

[@SpinstersLibrary]

I have heard so many good things about that adaptation, I'll make sure to watch it!

[@lynnstewart7034]

@@SpinstersLibrary Oh Claudia, I cannot recommend the BBC’s Cranford highly enough. It’s jam packed full of excellent actors (czcams.com/video/Hg_ZsyzsQkM/video.html and czcams.com/video/9j8QvGypvhA/video.html) and is beautifully filmed. I adore it. My favourite character is Miss Matty but there are so many delightful characters. As you say, the story moves from comedy to tragedy. To mention just one, the incident of the cat and the lace is done brilliantly in the series. I also remember the crate of oranges and how novel (not to say somewhat distressing) they were to the Misses Jenkins. I hope you manage to view it. I’ve been reluctant to read it until now (for fear that it will not live up to the series) but your video has tempted me to fit it into my Victober reads.

[@amylemcoauthor]

Would love a comparison book to miniseries

[@MargaretPinard]

I'm going to root for Lady Glenmire as the shiny apple that upset the cart!

[@BookishTexan]

I thought _Cranford_ was moving and charming. It is still my only Gaskell, but I thought it was great.

[@nathaliapanesi3474]

Your copy is so lovely

[@booksatthebottomofthestair8446]

I love this book but read it as satire. Very good summary and review.

[@literatimedium]

My roommate’s cat literally ate a dress of mine. LOL.

[@katherineeaton2515]

I thought you'd like it!!!!

[@sarrabelaskri4460]

I just finished reading Cranford and i was kinda disappointed to be honest. I found the book boring and not particularly funny more like bittersweet, actually, by some respects, like the fact that Miss Matty ended up being a spinster because her overbearing elder sister refused to let her marry the man she loved because he was of a lower social background... We learn that women of a certain class, in rural areas, often, preferred and sometimes were, even, encouraged to stay single rather than marriyng "lower" and when a woman with an aristocratic background but penniless ( Lady Glenmire) decide all of a sudden to tie the knot with the son of a farmer who turned out to become a well-to-do doctor, their world is turned upside down lol ...The book, basically, is a subtle denunciation of the snobbish culture of Victorian England ... But, also, an ode to friendship, i admit, Miss Matty's Friends' generosity, is heartwarming and definitely, Cransford's finest moment.

[@user-sx4zu3pj6m]

Your background is like the flag of the Japanese army. It was used in World War II and is a symbol of imperialism. It is like the Nazi Hakenkreuz in Asia. I have no bad intentions. I'm letting you know because you don't seem to know. I hope you don't feel bad. Have a good day😊

[@SpinstersLibrary]

Thank you for letting me know, I was unaware of the similarities! I don't use that background any more, but I appreciate you telling me anyway.