North and South

Elizabeth Gaskell's Victorian love story, set in the mill towns of the industrial North of England. North and South is a wonderful blend of social comment on the dramatic changes in society brought about by the industrial revolution and a compelling love story. Written from the author's first-hand experience, the novel follows the story of Margaret Hope in her move from the tranquil setting in rural southern England to the raw and turbulent northern town of Milton. Margaret takes an instant dislike to her new home and its people, including the handsome and charismatic cotton mill owner John Thornton whom she believes epitomizes everything unpleasant about the North. As events throw Margaret and Thornton together, the two spirited characters have to overcome their repressed physical attraction for one another and conquer prejudices of class and circumstance.