"A really remarkable picture of the reality, as well as the prosperity, of northern industrial life, and an interesting examination of changing social conscience."  —Joanna Trollope, author, Second Honeymoon


"Gaskell saw the emotional and economic realities of ordinary life with a steely honesty."  —The Times



"Pah! to Dickens. Eat your heart out, Little Nell. That Elizabeth Gaskell could write a death scene to make your socks melt."  —Scotsman



"One of the most perceptive novels of the mid-Victorian era."  —Glasgow Herald

Mrs. Gaskell uses the contrast of northern and southern England as a framework for an indepth examination of Victorian society. Her characters are complex, representing the rising working class, the intelligence, the aristocracy and the clergy. The narrator does an excellent job of rendering dialect differences among characters, adding depth to the story. Through her compassionate voice we are able to feel the conflict, vexation and the introspective struggle of the main characters. The prolonged conversations among characters make listening somewhat tedious, but the listener will be rewarded by persevering to the end. J.K.R. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine