Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Need to Read #30: Cranford



Title: Cranford
Author: Elizabeth Gaskell
Book blurb: Gaskell's witty and poignant comedy of country-town life, a gently comic picture of life in an English country town in the mid-nineteenth century, Cranford describes the small adventures of Miss Matty and Miss Deborah, two middle-aged spinster sisters striving to live with dignity in reduced circumstances.
Rich with humor and filled with vividly memorable characters, including the dignified Lady Glenmire and the duplicitous showman Signor Brunoni, Cranford is a portrait of kindness, compassion, and hope.


Quick endorsement: I started this book thinking I’d read it merely because it was written by Elizabeth Gaskell (who I knew to be an excellent classic author) and because it had a TV show based upon it that many of my friends loved. Little did I expect to love this book myself! While it no doubt appears boring at first, you won’t find it to be so. Quaint and funny, it’s highly enjoyable!

Link to review: http://austenitis.blogspot.com/2012/11/cranford.html

7 comments:

Clare said...

I haven't read the book but I watched the movie and I love it! We actually gave Cranford and Return to Cranford to my mom for Christmas. Perhaps I'll read the book...
By the way I love your blog!! :D

Charity U said...

Clare, the movie is great! Do give the book a try, it's a surprisingly enjoyable read. :) So glad you're enjoying my blog! I have been savoring your comments...they make me happy. :) Hope you're seeing these responses as well...I'm leaving a response for almost all your comments.

BatZion said...

After watching Return to Cranford, I would love to get my hands on a copy of this book! :)

Charity U said...

BatZion, the book is certainly worth a read! I originally read it on Kindle...I think you can find it free that way. And then I had to own my own copy. :) Have you seen Cranford, the first original series? Better than Return, though they're both good. Oh...that reminds me...I need to write up my review of Return. Tomorrow I'll write it.

Hamlette (Rachel) said...

How is it I've never read this??? Adding it to my to-read list right now. Thanks!

Shopgirl said...

I just heard about the show and will definitely have to check out both the shows and book! Thanks for the recommendation!

Charity U said...

Hamlette, I think this is a book you'd definitely enjoy! :)

Veronica, the TV series is great...and the book is as well. :) Recommending both!