a delightful adaptation of the classic novel North and South

North and South is my favorite classic novel, so I was intrigued by the thought of an adaptation. Author DG Rampton produced a really good variation of this beloved book. I had so much fun reading it!

Are you familiar with the classic novel?

North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell was originally published in 1855. It follows the story of Margaret Hale, a young woman who moves from rural southern England to the industrial North due to her father’s decision to leave the clergy. Margaret struggles to adapt to the harsh realities of Milton as she is swept up in the conflict between industrialists and workers. She develops complex relationships, notably with mill owner John Thornton and with one of the poor families in the community. The novel explores social issues, economic tension, and personal growth amid the backdrop of England’s changing social landscape during the Victorian era. While tackling these difficult topics, the book also paints a beautiful picture of family relationships and friendship.

I love the book because of its window into industrialization in that time and place, but also because of the fun way Gaskell introduced and developed the characters. The BBC produced an excellent miniseries based on the story, so take time to look that up if you’re interested.

Book cover blurb from North and South: A Victorian Romance by Elizabeth Gaskell and adapted by DG Rampton:

Set in Victorian England, North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell was first published in 1854. This adaptation stays true to the dramatic social commentary of the original, while bringing into greater prominence the love story at its core, which is reminiscent of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice.

Uprooted from her idyllic existence in the South of England, Margaret Hale moves with her family to an industrial town in the North, where she develops a passionate sense of social justice upon witnessing the hardships suffered by the local mill workers. Her views often bring her into conflict with wealthy mill-owner John Thornton, who befriends her family. But their turbulent relationship masks a deep attraction that cannot be subdued, and a bond that only strengthens when tested by the vagaries of fate.

---

Important themes:

A longing for home

It’s clear to the reader how much Margaret loved her home and hated to leave it. Mrs. Hale goes through an interesting transformation of how she feels about home; she appreciated it much more after she left.

Perhaps it says more about the characters themselves–Margaret grew to appreciate Milton in a way that Mrs. Hale never did. Margaret did her best to create a sense of home wherever she found herself. Of course, Margaret enjoyed good health while her mother battled an illness, which would have impacted their abilities to feel at ease.

The love of a mother for her son

Two mothers are central to this story, Mrs. Hale and Mrs. Thornton. Deep and abiding affection for their sons is evidenced by both of them. As Mrs. Thornton told her son, “A mother’s love holds fast for ever and ever, John. A girl’s love is like a puff of smoke, it changes with every wind.”

Mrs. Hale desperately misses her son Frederick, who is forced to remain away because of circumstances surrounding a mutiny on the ship where he was working. On the other hand, Mrs. Thornton sees her son John making excruciating decisions about his company. Both mothers lament their sons’ hardships, and their hearts go out to them.

Pride and prejudice

I don’t know why I had never thought about this book’s similarities to Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. This idea really jumped out at me as I was reading this time. Preconceived ideas run rampant: between Northerners and Southerners, factory owners and workers, John Thornton and Margaret Hale, and the list goes on.

In this vein, there’s an interchange between Margaret and her father that I found to be delightful. He informs her that she is prejudiced against Mr. Thornton, and she responds, “He is the first specimen of a manufacturer–of any person engaged in trade–that I have had the opportunity of studying, Papa. He is my first olive! Let me make a face while I swallow it. I know he is good of his kind, and by and by I shall like the kind. I rather think I am already beginning to do so.” What a fun way of expressing her thoughts!

Following one’s conscience when it’s difficult and costly

I found this in so many places in this book: Mr. Hale leaving the clergy, Margaret’s brother Frederick aboard the ship, the factory owners when dealing with the strike, and the workers when implementing the strike. They all had deeply felt reasons for their actions, and it was painful for all of them.

There were many times throughout the book that various characters reflected on the value of doing hard things. As Margaret stated, “Loyalty and obedience to wisdom and justice are fine; but it is still finer to defy arbitrary power, unjustly and cruelly used–not on behalf of ourselves, but on behalf of others more helpless.”

---

Final thoughts on this adaptation of the classic novel North and South

Although I greatly enjoyed reading this book, I must say that I still prefer the classic version. DG Rampton’s main purpose in writing a variation was to bring the romance more to the forefront. For me, the depth of feeling and my emotional response were not increased in this new version. Perhaps I am too fixed on the original.

I should note that the plot and tone of the classic book were preserved in this presentation of the story. The added material blended seamlessly into the narrative.

Have you read a variation on a classic novel before? What did you think? Now I’ll be looking for more versions of the classic novel North and South. Happy reading!

I have read three other books by DG Rampton and absolutely loved them all. I encourage you to try one!

Other posts you may like:

• book club books
• book review: A Brilliant Night of Stars and Ice
• fair trade: compassionate commerce in action
• Tofu lasagna for the win!
• The Mystic Jesus by Marianne Williamson: book club discussion

Fondly,

Crysti