Barnes & Noble, Inc, 2005
Originally published 1853
176 pages
Classic; FITG
4/5 stars
Source: Mom's copy
I honestly don't have much to say about this book as I mostly read it for my Fill-in-the-Gaps challenge and to further my acquaintance with Elizabeth Gaskell (I've read and seen North and South and seen Wives and Daughters as well as the miniseries from this book). Usually I read YA books in part to be aware of the hyped books as well as lesser-known gems. Not much really happens in this book, which is set in approximately 1830s small-town England. While the world around seems to be modernizing and industrializing, Cranford seems to remain steadfastly the same: ruled over by ladies and filled with compassion and kindness.
Of course that is somewhat revolutionary in a book as most seem to focus on the masculine sphere or else have a love story. While there are elements of "manly" commerce as well as marriages, they are not the focus. There isn't much driving the story either; it kind of just meanders mostly centered on Miss Matty, an elderly spinster, and her closest circle. Miss Matty is just the sweetest person and all of the characters are pretty nice people. But there wasn't much excitement for me.
In fact, this book took me a rather long time to read considering the length. Just one chapter seemed to take me forever to read. And I guess that contributes to my lack of enthusiasm in reviewing. I would like to say that this is NOT a bad book by any means but it is not the book for me.
Recommended: For fans of Gaskell and if you've seen (or plan to see) the miniseries.
I wish I could do the same thing as you! But somehow I still always manage to fall for the hype & look over lesser-known gems like these. x) It never stops amazing me how diverse your reading list is -- I love it! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's too bad that this wasn't the book for you though! It's always harder to get into books that you aren't that excited about. But you still gave it a pretty high rating, so I know it must be a good read! :) Awesome review as always, B!
It is good that you finished the book despite your lack of enthusiasm!!! that alone is good.
ReplyDeleteHave a Happy New Year.
I loved the miniseries but it took me quite awhile to finish Cranford too. There were moments that I enjoyed but I much prefer North and South.
ReplyDeleteI have to say that I love the film adaptations of Gaskell's books more than the books themselves. I still haven't finished Wives and Daughters. I tried reading it years ago after watching the miniseries but couldn't get into the book at the time. I hope to tackle it in 2012.