North and South

By: Elizabeth Gaskell

Narrated by: Juliet Stevenson

Length: 18 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

Exclusively from Audible

Written at the request of Charles Dickens, North and South is a book about rebellion; it poses fundamental questions about the nature of social authority and obedience. Gaskell expertly blends individual feeling with social concern, and her heroine, Margaret Hale, is one of the most original creations of Victorian literature.

When Margaret Hale's father leaves the Church in a crisis of conscience she is forced to leave her comfortable home in the tranquil countryside of Hampshire and move with her family to the fictional industrial town of Milton in the north of England. Though at first disgusted by her new surroundings, she witnesses the brutality wrought by the Industrial Revolution and becomes aware of the poverty and suffering of the local mill workers. Sympathetic to the poor she makes friends among them and develops a fervent sense of social justice. She clashes with the mill-owner and self-made man, John Thornton, who is contemptuous of his workers. However, their fierce opposition masks a deeper attraction.

Gaskell based her depiction of Milton on Manchester, where she lived as the wife of a Unitarian minister. She was an accomplished writer, much of her work published in Charles Dickens' magazine Household Words including North and South which was originally published as a serial. She was also friends with Charlotte Brontë and after her death, her father, Patrick Brontë, chose Gaskell to write The Life of Charlotte Brontë.

Narrator Biography

Whether she's up on stage, behind the microphone or in front of the camera, Juliet Stevenson never fails to charm her audience...whoever they may be. Acting roles in Truly, Madly Deeply, Emma, Bend It like Beckham and Mona Lisa Smile have cemented her status as one of the great British actresses of our time. Meanwhile, her popular performances of hits such as Apple Tree Yard, the book that was turned into a TV series that people just couldn't stop talking about, have earned her an overwhelming amount of well-deserved praise for her spoken word talents.

Public Domain (P)2014 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[An] admirable story...full of character and power." (Charles Dickens)

Impressive range for just one reader!

Juliet Stevenson is incredible at all of the voices and accents. This is my second time listening to this book, though the first time was a different reader and not nearly as well performed. I am a huge fan of the BBC miniseries, which is faithful to the text. My only complaint about Gaskell’s writing is that some passages are ridiculously florid when describing either of the lead characters. This is alleviated somewhat by the excellent reader performance.

So good!

This is a great story spoken by a fabulous narrator. ANYTHING Juliette narrates is first class and this is no exception. Thoroughly enjoyed!

The reader

This story, although long, was very easy listening. The characters were well developed, interesting and realistic. I listen to Audible stories at bedtime. I found myself going to bed earlier than usual; I was anxious to pick up again from where I had left off the night before. I recommend North and South to readers who enjoy listening to a period story presented by an exquisite British English reader.

North and South

The author has brought these people and this period to life. Very enjoyable book - and well acted.

Brilliant Narration

Loved the narration of the classic novel. A must-listen if you’re a fan of the book.

Great book!

Had seen the movie but this was much better (of course), although the movie/mini-series was excellent! A book I will listen to again -- especially loved the closing lines!

A great story, but unsatisfying at the end!

I love this story--- I've watched the BBC version on Netflix, the book is very rich and full of detail. so full of detail at felt like I was waiting years to get to the ending, or some kind of resolution for the unrequited lovers! (Spoiler alert) When it finally happened though, it sounded like two paragraphs! What! Countless hours of turmoil and grief and waiting and things being described in incredible detail---- for the climax and happy ending to be described in like two paragraphs?!? So unsatisfying! This version has a wonderful narration, though. Just wanted more out of the writing!

Beautiful narration on an interesting theme.

What made the experience of listening to North and South the most enjoyable?

Juliet Stevenson's narration was perfect for this story of class differences, labor vs. the masters, etc.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Margaret Hale was a strong character who grows as the book evolves. She has almost every bad thing happen to her and she continues to do the right thing. She is a great heroine.

Have you listened to any of Juliet Stevenson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Any book she does is suberb.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The end when Mr. Thornley and Margaret meet for what could be the last time...It has it all, humor and pathos.

Any additional comments?

Wonderful story, but I did find Margaret's father as the weakest character in the novel. If he leaves the church because he believes more in the reformers than the regular church, why does the family no longer seem to attend church at all? For a former minister to become a tutor but not attend church seems false to me. My only complaint on the book though.

Excellent Narrating

Ms. Stevenson truly gave this classic book justice in the way she masterfully read it. So much was talked about the BBC series made from this book (& granted, it was an excellent series), but Ms. Gaskell's book is just as amazing, engrossing, and probably much more romantic.

Among my favorites!!!

They just don't write them like this anymore! I could not wait to finish the book so I could watch the BBC miniseries. While the actor playing Mr. Thornton was yummy to look at his character as portrayed in the book is who us girls dream of.