Books on my Nightstand February 2024

Books on my Nightstand February 2024. February 2, 2024.

Many Jane Austen fans are always eager for more books of the same and so will eventually migrate to the lesser-known Elizabeth Gaskell. Gaskell’s novels tend to be more tragic as well as devote more attention to critiquing the social policies of the times. As for example, her novel, Sylvia’s Lovers, talks about the English government’s use of press gangs to fill their armies with men and consequently, the fear the villages lived in. Gaskell tackles other social issues in her novels as well with this month’s book pick being one of them. But given that Gaskell collaborated with the social good-minded Charles Dickens in her writings it should come as no surprise that her books carry strong messages about social ills. But she carries it off in an Austen-like flair with romance and a bit of humor as in this month’s book pick.

Books on my Nightstand February 2024: North and South

And this month I am reading North and South which is one of my favorite novels by Gaskell. North and South has a more Jane Austen-ish plot centered around romance and social classes differences. Our main character, Margaret, and her parents find themselves in a less than ideal situation when circumstances force them from their comfortable home at the rectory to a new city and a drop in social status. Additionally, many of the city’s inhabitants are employed in textile mills that have horrible and even deadly working conditions. Not pleased with her new life, Margaret appears haughty to her father’s new pupil, Thornton. Thornton is a self-made man who wishes to improve himself intellectually. Their relationship is initially antagonistic. However, the story follows how they come together and learn to appreciate one another amid social upheaval and class differences. Jane Austen fans will enjoy North and South.

You can read North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell for free here.

Have a beautiful day!