Cranford, by Elizabeth Gaskell (BOOK REVIEW)

 

"I'll not listen to reason...reason always means what someone else has got to say." 

The village of Cranford is ruled by women that don't let the slightest thing get past them. The gentle Miss Matty Jenkyn and her fellow companions navigate the challenges of their little village that is evolving terrain. A witty, heart-warming and humorous tale and glimpse into the lives of ladies that don't have anything better to do than gossip or quarrel.

"Out of the way! We are in the throes of an exceptional emergency! This is no occasion for sport - there is lace at stake!" 

Cranford by Elizabeth Gaskell was a witty and charming story! I'll be honest...some points in the book were pretty boring but overall I really enjoyed it. There isn't really any main plot, it's just the story of the lives of these ladies which I found quite relaxing. The characters all had their own personality and quirks. This book offers such a delightful portrait of life in a small English town. The author weaves together humor and social commentary in a unique and inviting way. Considering that this book was written in the 1800s, the humor was really hilarious. It was so straight-forward and delightful. Gaskell's ability to capture the wit of her era while making it acceptable to her own society is really impressive. Being able to dive deep into the conversations of these interesting ladies and looking at what people found to be comedic back then is really cool. Gaskell's capacity to be able to speak to the people of modern day and people of her own time is what proves her such an able and talented author. 

I feel as though each one of the ladies in this book are my friends and when an author is able to draw you into her own world, it is utterly amazing.

"Many a one has been comforted in their sorrow by seeing a good dish come upon the table."

I give this book an 8 out of 10 and recommend it for ages 13-14+ (The age is just due to being able to comprehend everything the author is putting forward. It's in older English so in order to understand it, you should be a bit older).

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Happy Reading!

-Ariana